New Ord land release to increase size of irrigation area

The State Government’s Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project continues to grow with Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett and Regional Development Minister Terry Redman announcing the release of a further two parcels of land.

Mr Barnett said the project involved the development of about 5,000 hectares of the Ord West Bank and Mantinea land, and was another major step in the expansion of the Ord, one of northern Australia’s most significant projects. “This land release builds on the increasing interest in agriculture in the State’s north and allows the private sector to take part in building the Ord into a larger, world-class agricultural precinct,” the Premier said.

Mr Redman said the successful development of this land would further contribute to building long-term performance of the Ord region, and would increase the size of the Ord Irrigation Scheme Area to 35,000ha. The Ord West Bank and Mantinea Land is considered to be potentially arable and suitable for irrigated agriculture.

“This is an opportunity for the State Government to engage with the private sector and develop the partnerships needed to fully realise the potential of the Ord scheme both in Western Australia and in the Northern Territory,” Mr Redman said.

The Minister acknowledged the continuing support of the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, whose consent to surrender native title of these lands under the Ord Final Agreement made today’s land release possible.

“This is another example of Royalties for Regions investment helping to build vibrant regions with strong economies,” Mr Redman said.

Request for proposals will open this Saturday, July 18 and close on October 2, 2015. The Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project is a $517 million project, with $322.5 million invested from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.