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Gascoyne River starts to flow again and locals get creative to enjoy the rebirth of WA's longest river

The Gascoyne River has started flowing for the first time in eight months.  (ABC Pilbara: Kate Ferguson)

Western Australia's longest river has started flowing after recent rain and locals have found some rather creative ways to enjoy the event.

For the first time in eight months the Gascoyne River started running this week, and Carnarvon resident Jaimie Moore saw it as the perfect opportunity to try out an idea he had been cooking up for years.

Jaimie Moore built a river-powered rotisserie to cook a roast. (Supplied: Jaimie Moore)

Mr Moore from Moore Veggies in Carnarvon decided to make good use of a spare motorbike wheel and some parts found in the shed to create the river rotisserie.

"I used my spit pole, modified, and extended it," he said.

"Then I used form ply for some paddles and, in theory, I made a paddle wheel.

Mr Moore said he enjoyed the roast while sitting ankle deep in the cool edges of the Gascoyne River with his family.

Jaimie Moore saw the river's rebirth as an opportunity to test out an idea he'd spent years devising.  (ABC Pilbara: Kate Ferguson)

The Moore family, like many locals, have been making the most of the flowing river.

Carnarvon local Malcolm Delille said it was an exciting time for those who love to fish.

"A few years back, my nephew came down … he caught a shark about two foot long and six mangrove jack.

"They were huge, and that is good fishing."

Karlston Parker, Leah Tittmus, Cedrica Darby, and Sylvannia Dingo are making the most of the flows. (ABC Pilbara: Kate Ferguson)

Elder urges people to 'greet' the river

Ingaada elder Marion Crowe said the river has spiritual significance.

"If you look at the river from above it looks like a man. He is the guardian of this area and his name is Jamba Crowe."

Ms Crowe encouraged both locals and visitors to welcome the river as a mark of respect.

 "Chuck sand in and say 'hello, thanks for the water', and then chuck sand in again when you leave," she said.

At its peak, the Gascoyne River has reached over two metres and locals expect the water to stay around for the next couple of weeks.

Residents think the water in the Gascoyne River will stick around for a couple of weeks. (ABC Pilbara: Kate Ferguson)
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