- State Government releases Ord
River Irrigation Area Strategy 2024-34
- Ten-year vision to sustainably
scale-up agricultural production in the East Kimberley
Regional Development Minister Don Punch today unveiled a 10-year
strategy to guide agricultural development and future growth of the Ord River
Irrigation Area (ORIA).
The strategy's vision for 2024 to 2034 is to expand the area into
a productive and sustainable farming region of up to 50,000 hectares, backed by
value-add processing to create jobs and drive economic prosperity for the East
Kimberley.
The State Government will support the agricultural sector and
Traditional Owners to drive the vision through initiatives such as land and
water use planning, strategies to meet workforce needs, research and
development, and empowering Aboriginal communities.
The ORIA currently spans 28,000 hectares of farmland, producing
crops such as sandalwood, maize, cotton, melon, pumpkin, mango, and other fruit
and vegetables.
The Western Australian Government has invested more than $420
million in the area over the past 20 years and the negotiation of the Ord Final
Agreement has seen development of critical irrigation infrastructure,
management of environmental sustainability and release of land parcels.
The cotton industry is emerging in the region, with a cotton gin
currently being constructed to the north of the Kununurra townsite.
Development of the plan involved extensive consultation with key
stakeholders, local industry, Traditional Owners, Government agencies and
community groups.
The strategy is available on the Department of Primary Industries
and Regional Development website at https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/ORIA2024-34
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"Built on a history of resilience and innovation, the Ord River Irrigation
Area is on the cusp of capitalising on historic and recent investment to
realise its full potential and deliver strong economic outcomes for the East
Kimberley region.
"A thriving agricultural sector is crucial to the future
prosperity of the north - driving up the value of agricultural production and
creating additional jobs and economic benefits for the Miriuwung and Gajerrong
people, who are proud partners in this journey.
"The Cook Government will continue to work closely with industry,
Traditional Owners and the community to build on the region's strengths and
capitalise on new and emerging opportunities to deliver long-term benefits for
the East Kimberley region."
Comments attributed Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The Cook Government is committed to supporting industry development in
our State's north and helping this unique region achieve its potential.
"Our substantial investment in the Ord is already starting to come to
fruition, launching a new era of cotton production that will drive enduring
economic and social benefits throughout the region."
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"It is exciting to see sustainable agricultural progress in the Ord,
paving the way for new industries and genuine employment opportunities for the
East Kimberley.
"The Cook Government has been working alongside industry and Traditional
Owners to build a strong, sustainable cotton industry from the ground up and
this new strategy marks another step forward for the future of the region."
