Ord expansion delivers first agricultural land, Grylls

Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 08-November-2011

The State Government’s Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project has reached a major milestone with the decision to release more than 15,200ha of irrigable agricultural land near Kununurra.

Premier Colin Barnett said the highly anticipated release on this large-scale, nation building endeavour would help create stronger, more vibrant and sustainable regional communities in the East Kimberley.

“Significant investment and hard work from both the State and Federal governments and a range of stakeholders has now borne fruit, further cementing the Ord River irrigation area’s reputation as a world-class agricultural precinct,” Mr Barnett said.

“This release of land in the Goomig Farm Area, Knox Plain and Ord West Bank more than doubles the size of the existing irrigation area and provides opportunities for short, medium and long-term agricultural land development for a variety of crops.”

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said the area was already attracting significant interest and this land release would help draw private sector investment into the growing region.

“The multiple land release will draw both national and international attention from purchasers looking to benefit from the Ord’s reliable water supply, productive soils and ideal growing climate,” Mr Grylls said.

“I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, whose signing of the Ord Final Agreement and ongoing commitment to the project has made today’s land release a reality.”

EOI for the Knox Plain and Ord West Bank land and Requests for Proposal for the Goomig Farm Area close in February 2012.