ord-east kimberley development · pdf filefront cover: photo courtesy of ... and family...

Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan

Creating a stronger, vibrant

and sustainable community

in the East Kimberley.

Page 1 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan

Contents

Foreword 3

executive Summary 6

PeoPLe aNd cLimate 10

the ord-eaSt KimberLey deveLoPmeNt PLaN 12

DecisionMakingandConsultation 12

Timeframes 14

EngagingtheCommunity 14

DeliveringIndigenousBenefits 14

ord irrigatioN exPaNSioN Project 18

WeaberPlains 18

DeliveringInfrastructureforIrrigatedAgriculture 22

EnvironmentalManagement 24

WaterAvailabilityandUse 24

FutureLandReleasesBeyond2011 27

eaSt KimberLey deveLoPmeNt PacKage 30

EastKimberleyRegion 32

HealthInfrastructure 33

EducationandTrainingInfrastructure 35

HousingInfrastructure 37

TransportInfrastructure 38

coNcePtS For Future deveLoPmeNt oF

agricuLturaL LaNd iN the eaSt KimberLey 40

KnoxCreekArea 40

NorthernTerritory(KeepRiver) 40

CockatooSands 41

aPPeNdix 1 – StakeholderS’ roleS

and reSponSibilitieS 42

aPPeNdix 2 – aGriCUltUral prodUCtion

in the ord 44

Photo background: The Ord River Irrigation Area. Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia

Front Cover: Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 2

Foreword

Hon. Kevin Rudd MP Prime minister

the australian Government is committed to building a

stronger future for people in the east kimberley.

the Government’s $195 million investment in the east

kimberley development package complements the

Western australian Government’s $220 million

investment in expansion of the ord irrigation area, to ensure the

balanced development of the east kimberley region. this is another

example of how our governments are working together to tackle the

economic downturn and stimulate the economy.

the east kimberley development package has been developed by our

governments in consultation with the local community, to support the

economic and social development of the region. the package will

deliver real on-the-ground infrastructure for the people living and

working in the east kimberley, fostering growth and sustainability of

this high productivity region.

the australian Government’s investment will provide social

infrastructure in the areas of health, education, community facilities,

housing and transport. it will also provide training and productive

employment opportunities for indigenous communities in the region.

this investment in social and common use infrastructure in the east

kimberley region is part of the australian Government’s $4.7 billion

nation building plan to support jobs and apprenticeships today while

building the infrastructure australia needs for tomorrow.

Hon. Colin Barnett Premier; minister for State development

the Western australian Government’s $220 million

investment in the ord-east kimberley development

plan and the Commonwealth Government’s $195

million investment of nation building funding for the

east kimberley development package, are creating an

exciting new economic growth centre in northern australia.

realisation of the region’s vast agricultural potential, a significant

upgrade of community facilities and services, and increased aboriginal

participation in the economy, are the building blocks of development of

national significance.

this project also incorporates, and is strengthened by the aspirations

and determination of the people of the east kimberley to secure a

better future for their communities. Strong community involvement

has brought together a balanced package that aims to address the

needs of the community.

the Western australian Government is confident that the success of

this initiative and the economic, population and service growth it

brings, will also trigger new opportunities for investment, business and

employment, across a wide range of economic activities.

Hon. Gary Gray Parliamentary Secretary for western and

Northern australia

the commitment of both the australian Government

and the Western australian Government to the east

kimberley development package and the ord river

irrigation Scheme, represents an essential investment in

the future of the people of the east kimberley.

the $195 million east kimberley development package will redress gaps in

infrastructure relating to health, aged care, early childhood development

and family services, education and vocational training, social and

transition housing, transport and sporting and community facilities. Most

importantly, the package will promote meaningful and sustainable jobs for

local indigenous people.

the complementary $220 million ord irrigation expansion project

investment by the State of Western australia will contribute towards

improving employment levels, economic development, wealth,

participation and quality of life for the local community (including the

Miriuwung and Gajerrong people), through the expansion of agricultural

and horticultural land and the improvement of related infrastructure.

all necessary State and Commonwealth environmental approvals will be

met. these projects will provide significant and long-lasting social and

economic benefits to the local communities in the east kimberley region.

i am looking forward to witnessing these benefits as the projects unfold

and long after they have been completed.


Hon. Brendon Grylls minister for regional

development; Lands

the ord-east kimberley expansion is a confluence of

nation building ideas with two primary objectives: to

carry the available waters of lake argyle to new areas

of the magnificent ord river Valley and to engage the

Miriuwung and Gajerrong traditional owners in meaningful business

partnerships and sustainable jobs.

the agricultural expansion has been long-awaited but this project is

more than just farming new irrigation land – it is the opportunity of a

lifetime to build the community of kununurra into a model where there

is prosperity for all. the dream is to create over time a regional city

based on agricultural enterprise and eco and cultural tourism.

the Miriuwung Gajerrong people signed the ord Final agreement in

2005 in the belief they and their children will help shape a brighter

future for the region.

the expectations of the traditional owners should be met and it is my

wish that all in the valley, be they pioneering growers or newcomers,

embrace the ideal of fostering Miriuwung Gajerrong involvement in their

workplaces. the ord-east kimberley expansion is an opportunity to

showcase full indigenous engagement.

Funding through the royalties for regions program will see the

creation of new agricultural land with associated common user

irrigation and transport infrastructure. Five per cent of all new irrigation

land is to be owned by the Miriuwung Gajerrong people who may

choose to farm it themselves or partner with others.

the Commonwealth’s parallel investment in social and community

infrastructure is pivotal to the success of the expansion and will bring

significant change to the communities of kununurra, Wyndham,

Warmun and other smaller communities.

it takes little imagination to recognise the boundless potential for

agriculture, pastoralism and tourism in the ord Valley-east kimberley

and this historic State-Commonwealth investment gives the region the

economic stimulus it deserves.

Teddy Carlton chairman of the

yawoorroong miriuwung gajerrong yirrgeb

Noong dawang aboriginal corporation

the signing of the ord Final agreement in 2005, a

native title agreement between the State

Government and the Miriuwung Gajerrong people,

was a major step forward in acknowledging our native title rights and

moving towards addressing past injustices and plotting a more

positive and inclusive future. this agreement opened the door for the

expansion of the ord irrigation project and allows for employment

and business opportunities for the traditional owners of this country.

We are now on the verge of that agreement turning into practical

reality and we, as local indigenous people, must step up and grab hold

of this once in a generation opportunity.

We welcome the Commonwealth and State Governments,

traditional owners and business all working together with the

common purpose of improving the lives of all the people in our east

kimberley community.

as the appointed leaders of our people we have the eyes of our

ancestors, elders and our communities watching to make sure we

make the most of this opportunity.

as leaders we have a duty of care to support and encourage our

people from the ground up to embrace a better future for us all.

our commitment is to help our people embrace the task ahead and

meet the challenge to make a real difference.

Success will mean that Miriuwung and Gajerrong people will be proud

to be partners, contributing to the development of kununurra and the

east kimberley community.

Success will mean a better future for us all and open the door for

future prosperity.


TheOrd-EastKimberleyDevelopmentPlancomprisesnumerousintegratedprojectsthat,combined,willdeliversustainableeconomicgrowthandgenerateemploymentopportunitiesintheEastKimberleyRegion.


Executive summary

the ord-east Kimberley development Plan

is a comprehensive and integrated package

of funding initiatives, to be delivered in the

east Kimberley region through a collaborative

partnership between the australian and

western australian governments.

the project will include the release of 8,000

hectares of agricultural lots, in conjunction

with the improvement of social, community

and common-use infrastructure. the objective

of the project is to create a stronger, vibrant

and sustainable regional community in the

east Kimberley. any necessary environmental

approval processes at State and Federal level

will be met.

TheWesternAustralianGovernment,throughthe

RoyaltiesforRegionsfund,willinvest$220million

ondevelopinganddeliveringagriculturallandand

supportinginfrastructure,includingoff-farmwater

supply,drainageandroads.

TheAustralianGovernmentwillspend$195millionon

27specificprojectstoassistinaddressingsocialand

economicdisadvantagewithintheIndigenous

populationandthecurrentdeficienciesinthe

availablesocial,communityand

common-useinfrastructure.

Theseinvestmentswillalleviatethe

criticalshortfallininfrastructure

relatingtohealth,agedcare,

housing,employment,transport,

educationandtraining,familyand

children’sservices.

TheOrdRiverIrrigationAreaiswell

established,currentlycomprising

approximately14,000hectaresof

agriculturallandthatproducedin

excessof$95millionofproduction

in2007/2008.Themostsignificant

movetowardsestablishingthis

irrigationareaoccurredinthe1960’s

and1970’swiththedevelopmentof

theKununurraDiversionDamandthe

OrdRiverDamrespectively.

TheKununurraDiversionDamcreatedLake

KununurraandtheOrdRiverDamcreatedLake

Argyle.Thesedevelopmentsallowedforasupplyof

waterforagriculturalproductioninthedryseasonas

wellaswaterreleasesforthehydropowerstationat

theOrdRiverDam.ThedevelopmentoftheOrdRiver

Damwasintendedtoallowanincreaseinlandunder

irrigationbeyondthatmadepossiblebythe

KununurraDiversionDam(theStage1M1area),

predominantlyinanareaknownastheStage2M2

area.Thishasnotbeendevelopeduntilnow.The

Ord-EastKimberleyDevelopmentPlanwillallowfor

thereleaseofaninitial8,000hectares

ofagriculturallotswithintheWeaber

Plainsareain2011.Whilethisareaof

landisbeingpreparedallthe

necessaryscopingworkforanother

landpackageofupto6,680hectares

comprisingthePacksaddle,OrdWest

BankandMantineaareaswillbe

conducted.Considerationisalso

beinggiventopotentialfutureland

releasesincludingthebalanceofthe

Stage2M2area:theKnoxCreek

andKeepRiverPlains,aswellas

areasofCockatooSandsnot

previouslyconsideredfor

agriculturaldevelopment.

TheWesternAustraliaGovernmentiscommitted

toensuringtheexpansionoftheirrigationarea

willpreservethebiodiversityandintegrityofthe

naturallandscapeandculturalheritage.Thisis

providedforthroughanarrayofenvironmental

managementplans.

ORD-EAST KIMBERLEY DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Investment in social, community and common use infrastructure

Ord River

ChannelsDelivering new infrastructure to support farming and horticulture

PORT

Economic Development

New employment opportunities

Available water resources in Lake Argyle

Left: Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 6

Executive summary continued

Providingwaterforirrigationisacentralcomponent

oftheproject.Currently350gigalitresperannumof

waterisallocatedfortheexistingStage1M1area.

Anadditional400gigalitresperannumofwateris

availablefordiversionfromLakeKununurraandthe

first33kmoftheOrdRiverdownstreamofthe

KununurraDiversionDam.Theadditionalallocationis

sufficienttosupplydevelopmentsontheWeaber

Plains,theremainderoftheStage2M2area,and

potentialdevelopmentsonthePacksaddlePlainand

OrdWestBankarea.Afurther115gigalitresper

annumisallocatedfordiversiondownstreamof

HouseRoofHill(55kmdownstreamoftheKununurra

DiversionDam),fordevelopmentofMantineaand

otherareasinthevicinity.Anewmainirrigation

channelandassociatedoff-farminfrastructureis

beingdesignedtoallowawaterserviceproviderto

servicethenewlandreleasesthrougheffectiveand

efficientirrigationservices.

TheWesternAustralianGovernmenthaspartnered

withthetraditionalownersoftheland,theMiriuwung

andGajerrongpeople.Thepartnershipisbasedon

theOrdFinalAgreement(OFA),whichwasexecuted

on6October2005asaframeworkfortheMiriuwung

andGajerrongpeopletoreceivea$57million

compensationpackagefortheextinguishmentof

nativetitleover65,000hectaresofEastKimberley

land,andfortheenvironmentalandsocialimpactof

theOrdStage1Project.TheOFAalsoprovidesforan

AboriginalDevelopmentPackage(ADP)whichwill

enabletheMiriuwungandGajerrongpeopleto

participateinthedevelopmentasemployeesandin

businesses.TheADPwillalsoprovideforskills

enhancementandindoingso,formsthebasisfor

majoropportunities,particularlyforyoungpeople,

todevelopskillsandtoparticipateinthemainstream

economyoftheregion.ThebenefitsoftheOFA

extendtothecommunityasawholeby:

• allowingforeconomicdevelopmentbyresolving

nativetitleandclarifyingthestatusofheritage

protectioninthoseareasidentifiedforagricultural

andinfrastructuredevelopment

• expandingtheregion’seconomicbase

• increasingjobsandwealthforthecommunity

fromthedevelopmentoftheland

• providingcommunitybenefitsandincreased

wealththroughtheimprovedparticipationof

theMiriuwungandGajerrongpeopleinthe

localeconomy

• theexpansionofKununurra

• theestablishmentofparksforconservation,

recreationandtourism

• theprotectionoftheenvironmentandcultural

heritageoftheregion.

TheEastKimberleyDevelopmentPackagebuildson

theWesternAustralianGovernment’sdecisionto

proceedwithinvestmentintheOrdIrrigation

ExpansionProjectaroundthetownofKununurra.

TheCommonwealthGovernment’sinvestmentin

socialandcommonuseinfrastructureintheEast

KimberleyRegionwillstimulateeconomicgrowth

andemploymentopportunities,andpromotehealthy,

strongandresilientcommunitiescapableof

capitalisingontheseopportunities.Theindividual

projectsundertheEastKimberleyDevelopment

PackagemayrequireassessmentunderStateand/or

Federalenvironmentallegislation.Ifthisisthecase,

appropriateapprovalswillbesought.

Aneducationandtrainingpackagewillprovide

substantialupgradestoKununurraPrimarySchool

andDistrictHighSchoolandanexpansionor

relocationoftheCommunityLibrary.Inaddition,

ateachertrainingfacilitywillbeintegratedwithinthe

KununurraHighSchoolPrecinct.Therewillbean

upgradetotheWyndhamEarlyLearningActivities

Centreandanewtransportablebuildingprovidedfor

usebytheWarmunEarlyLearningCentre.The

packagewillalsoprovidefornewfacilitiestobe

constructedatboththeKununurraandWyndham

TAFEcampusestomeetlocalneeds.Community

meetingroomswillbebuiltinKununurraandatthe

communitiesofKalumburu,OombulgurriandDawul,

alongwithanearlychildhoodbuildingatJundranung

RemoteCommunity.

TheCommonwealth’seducationandtraining

initiativeswillencourageandenabletheIndigenous

communitytocontributetoandparticipateinthe

opportunitiesofferedbytheexpansionofagricultural

activitiesintheregion.

Torealisethefullpotentialforenhancedeconomic

participationitisessentialthatallresidentsinthe

EastKimberleyenjoygoodhealthandhaveaccessto

appropriatehealthservices.Healthneedsare

complexandareinterrelatedwithsocialwellbeing,

welfarestatus,employment,housing,education,and

communityserviceprovision.

Above: Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food


Thehealthinfrastructureinvestmentpackageis

targetedatreducingthehighincidenceof‘lifestyle’

andrelateddiseases,particularlywithintheIndigenous

population.InKununurra,projectswillincludeamajor

expansionoftheKununurrahospital,redevelopment

ofWyndhamhealthfacilities,constructionofashort

staypatientaccommodationfacility,refurbishment

oftheSoberingUpCentreandconstructionofhealth

careserviceproviderhousing.Inaddition,the

Commonwealth,throughtheHealthandHospitals

FundRenalServicesProject,willbeexpandingrenal

dialysisservicesinKununurra.InWyndham,health

facilitiesassociatedwiththehospitalwillbe

redeveloped,theResidentialRehabilitationService

FacilitywillbeexpandedandtheSoberingUpCentre

willberefurbished.Remoteagedcareservices

facilitiesatKalumburuandWarmunwillbeupgraded.

TheremoteclinicatWarmunwillberefurbishedor

replacedandstaffaccommodationwillbeprovidedat

theremoteclinicinKalumburu.Arangeof

environmentalhealthmeasures,suchasincinerators

andfencingaroundsewerageponds,willbe

introducedinthecommunitiesofWarmun,Kalumburu

andOombulgurri.

Thecapacitytoenjoygoodhealthisgreatly

assistedbytheopportunitytoliveinfunctional

andcleanaccommodation.Thehousing

infrastructureinvestmentpackagewilldeliver

improvedoutcomesforIndigenouspeopleandwill

providethefoundationsforlastingimprovementsin

livingstandards,socialandeconomicwellbeingand

accesstoopportunitiessuchasemploymentand

education.Additionalsocialhousingwillbebuiltin

KununurraandWyndham.Transitionhousingwillbe

constructedasanalternativetosocialhousingand

providedtoIndigenouspeopletoassistthemto

enterandremaininemployment.

Improvedtransportlinksarecriticaltothefutureof

theregionandthetransportinfrastructure

investmentpackagewillfundanupgradetothe

WyndhamPortFacility,whichisessentialto

accommodatetheincreasedtradeactivitiesresulting

fromtheexpansionoftheOrdRiverIrrigationArea.

Thepackagealsoprovidesfortheconstructionofa

separatepatienttransferfacilityatKununurraairport

andrefurbishmentoftheairportterminal.

Thevastdistancesbetweenregionalcentresmeans

communityinfrastructure,suchassportsfacilities,

andthepromotionofIndigenouscultureare

importanttothedevelopmentandmaintenance

ofahealthy,activeandstrongcommunity.

Theinvestmentpackageprovidesforupgrades

tolocalsportingfacilitiesinKununurra,further

supportforthelocalIndigenousartssectorby

fundingtotheWaringarriArtCentreandthe

constructionofsharedofficefacilitiesforupto30

staffoftheGelganyemTrustandtheYawoorroong

MiriuwungGajerrongYirrgebNoongDawang

AboriginalCorporation(MGCorporation).

InWyndham,thelocalswimmingpoolwillbe

upgraded,acommunityjettywillbedevelopedto

facilitatesafeaccesstodeepwaterandthepicture

gardenswillbeimproved.

Above: Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food

Right: Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 8

“NewQuotetocome”.

“TheOrd-EastKimberleyDevelopmentPlanrepresentsanewinvestmentintheregionof$415million.”

premier; Minister for State development

hon. Colin barnett


people and climate

TheprojectareaistheEastKimberleyRegion,

includingtheShireofWyndhamEastKimberley

andthecommunityofWarmunintheneighbouring

ShireofHallsCreek.Theareaisapproximately

121,200sqkminsizeandaccordingtothe2006

Censushadapopulationof7,775residents.

Approximately34%oftheregion’spopulation

identifiesasIndigenous,althoughthisiswidely

believedtobeanunderestimateoftheactual

Indigenouspopulationintheregion.By2020,

thepopulationoftheregionisforecasttoreachat

least12,000people.

ThemaintownintheEastKimberley,Kununurra,was

settledinthe1960stoservicetheconstructionofthe

firststageoftheOrdIrrigationScheme.Kununurrais

750kilometresfromDarwinand3,205kilometres

fromPerthbyroad.

ThesecondlargesttownisWyndham,approximately

100kilometresnorth-westofKununurra.Wyndham

hasapermanentpopulationof800people,withthe

maineconomicactivityfocusedaroundtheport

facility.Approximately90,000headoflivecattle

andmineralsfromminesintheEastKimberleyare

exportedthroughtheWyndhamPortannually.

Suppliesfortheresourcessectorinnorthern

Australiaarealsoimportedthroughtheport.

Theportisalsoincreasinglyservicingthetourism

industry,playinghosttospecialistcruiseshipsthat

visittheEastKimberleyRegion.

Climate and climate change

Kununurrahasasub-tropicalclimatewithanaverage

annualmaximumtemperatureof39degreesCelsius

(°C)andanannualaveragerainfallof830millimetres

(mm)(Figure1)whichhasdemonstratedan

increasingtrend(Figure2).Mostofthisrainfallis

fromOctobertoAprilwiththemonthsofMayto

Septembertendingtobeverydry.

Figure 1: Average annual rainfall

Figure 2: Trend in annual total rainfall 1970-2008 (mm/10yrs)

Left: Kununurra Diversion Dam. Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western AustraliaOrd-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 10

“Ifyouwanttolookwithonlyoneeyethenyouwillonlyseepartofthepicture.”

Les Williams

“OuraimistoseeKununurraemergeasamajorregionalcitywithavibranteconomyfoundedonagricultureandecoandculturaltourism.”

Minister for regional development; lands

hon. brendon Grylls


The Ord-East Kimberley Development plan

the ord-east Kimberley development Plan is a

large scale nation building endeavour that

will create stronger, vibrant and sustainable

regional communities in the east Kimberley.

the vision is for an expansion of the irrigated

agricultural area in the east Kimberley to take

advantage of the availability of both land and

water. this will grow the regional economy,

generate employment and provide social and

economic benefits for the local community.

the benefits of the project will be shared

across the east Kimberley region, including

specific investments in the towns of Kununurra

and wyndham and also the communities of

warmun, oombulgurri, dawul, jundranung

and Kalumburu. any necessary environmental

approval processes at State and Federal level

will be met.

TheOrd-EastKimberleyDevelopmentPlanprovidesa

uniqueopportunitytobalancecultural,social,

environmentalandeconomicvaluestomeetthe

challengesofclimatechangeandincreasingscarcity

ofwaterinotherareasofAustralia.LakeArgyleisa

significantwaterresourcewhichwillbeusedwisely,

withinaframeworkconsistentwithWesternAustralia’s

obligationsundertheNationalWaterInitiative.

Thenewinvestmentintheregionof$415millionwill

providesignificantemploymentopportunitiesand

improvementsinthelifestyleandstandardofliving

ofresidents.ItwillmaketheEastKimberleymore

attractiveforprivatesectorinvestment,both

domesticandforeign,andfordomesticand

internationalvisitors.Amorevibrantcommunitywill

assistinattractingandretainingskilledpeopleand

theirfamiliestotheregion.

What will be delivered

TheOrd-EastKimberleyDevelopmentPlanwill

deliversustainableeconomicgrowthandgenerate

employmentopportunitiesintheEastKimberley

Region.Workonprojectswillbeginin2009.

ThedirectbenefitstotheEastKimberleyRegion

willbedeliveredinareasincluding:

• agriculturedevelopment

• water,roadandotherinfrastructure

• educationandtraining

• healthandhousing

• Indigenouseconomicdevelopment

• transport

• communityfacilities.

TheOrd-EastKimberleyDevelopmentPlanwill

bedeliveredthroughapartnershipbetweenthe

WesternAustralianandAustralianGovernments.

TheAustralianGovernmentcomponentofthe

projectisknownastheEastKimberleyDevelopment

PackageandtheWesternAustraliancomponentthe

OrdIrrigationExpansionProject.

Thepartnershipisbasedonfourguidingprinciples:

1. TheAustralianGovernment’sinvestment

packagewillbeusedtofundsocialandcommon-

useinfrastructurethattargetseconomicand

socialdisadvantageandbringslong-term,

sustainablebenefitstothewholeoftheEast

KimberleyRegion.

2.TheWesternAustralianGovernmentwillfund

thoseinfrastructureworksdirectlyrelatedtothe

developmentofadditionalirrigatedland

associatedwiththeOrdIrrigationExpansion

Project,includingtheupgradingofexisting

irrigationchannels,constructionofnewirrigation

anddrainagechannels,roadsandservices.

3.Wherepossible,theAustralianGovernment’snew

investmentsaredeliveredtotheEastKimberley

Regionthroughexistingagreementsand

frameworkstominimisedelayandcost,aswellas

toacknowledgeandbuildontheconsultations

andengagementsalreadyundertakenbetween

Governments,Indigenousrepresentatives,

stakeholdergroupsandthebroadercommunity.

4.TheEastKimberleyDevelopmentPackagetakes

intoaccountthesharedcommitmentbythe

AustralianandStateGovernmentstonational

waterreformandtheNationalWaterInitiativeto

increasetheefficiencyandsustainabilityof

Australia’swateruse.

DECision MaKinG anD ConsulTaTion

ThescaleandcomplexityoftheOrd-EastKimberley

DevelopmentPlanrequiresparticipationand

investmentfromabroadrangeofstakeholders.The

complexityoftheprojectmeansthatitisnecessary

fortheWesternAustralianGovernmenttomanage

theimplementationofboththeCommonwealthand

StateGovernment(RoyaltiesforRegions)funded

projects.Thegovernancestructuredevelopedbythe

GovernmentofWesternAustralia(Figure3)indicates

howtheagreedmanagementoftheOrd-East

KimberleyDevelopmentPlanwillfunction.

Left: Wyndham Port. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 12

The Ord-East Kimberley Development plan continued

MINISTERIAL COUNCIL

MG CORPORATIONCOMMUNITY

REFERENCE GROUP

Weaber Plains Task Group

Social Infrastructure Task Group

Ord West Bank, Mantinea, Packsaddle

Task Group

ORD-EAST KIMBERLEYDEVELOPMENT PLAN

STEERING COMMITTEE

LANDCORPProject Management

for irrigation infrastructure delivery

ORD IRRIGATION EXPANSION PROJECT

Lead Agency - Dept. RegionalDevelopment and Lands

ABORIGINALDEVELOPMENT

PACKAGE

FUTUREEXPANSIONWORKING

GROUP

CONSTRUCTIONWORKING

GROUP

APPROVALSWORKING

GROUP

COMMONWEALTHIMPLEMENTATION

GROUP

EAST KIMBERLEYDEVELOPMENT PACKAGE

Lead Agency - Department ofState Development

TheOrdIrrigationExpansionProjectisbeing

managedbytheDepartmentofRegional

DevelopmentandLandsandtheEastKimberley

DevelopmentPackageisbeingmanagedbythe

DepartmentofStateDevelopment.

Governmentagenciesareresponsiblefordelivering

differentaspectsoftheprojectandprovidingadvice

onhowtheprojectbenefitscanberealised.

Decisionsaremanagedandcoordinatedthrougha

highlevelgovernanceframeworksupportedbya

teamofprojectmanagersandofficerswithinthe

DepartmentofRegionalDevelopmentandLands.

TheOrdIrrigationExpansionProjectmayrequire

assessmentunderStateand/orFederal

environmentallegislation.Ifthisisthecase,

necessaryapprovalswillbesought.

ord irrigation Expansion Project

TheWesternAustralianGovernment’shighlevel

commitmenttotheOrdIrrigationExpansionProject

isdemonstratedbytheparticipationofsenior

GovernmentMinisters,industryexpertsand

governmentofficialsinthedecisionmaking

processes.Attheapexoftheprojectgovernance

frameworkisaMinisterialCouncil,comprisingthe

Premier,MinisterforRegionalDevelopment,Minister

forWaterandMinisterforAgricultureandFood.

ThisMinisterialCouncilisadvisedbytheOrd-East

KimberleyDevelopmentPlanSteeringCommittee,

whichconsistsofDirectorsGeneralandChief

ExecutiveOfficersfromrelevantStateGovernment

agencies.TheOrd-EastKimberleyDevelopmentPlan

SteeringCommitteedrawsontheexpertiseoflocal

andregionalpeopleviatheCommunityReference

GroupandStateGovernmentofficers.

Engagementwiththecommunityisfacilitated

throughaCommunityReferenceGroupandthree

communitytaskgroupsthatareresponsiblefor

differentaspectsofprojectdelivery.Thisincludesthe

WeaberPlainsTaskGroup,SocialInfrastructureTask

GroupandtheOrdWestBank,Mantinea,Packsaddle

TaskGroup.TheCommunityReferenceGroupand

taskgroupsadvisetheWesternAustralian

Governmentoncommunityperspectivesassociated

withtheOrdIrrigationExpansionProject.

ContinuousengagementwiththeMiriuwungand

Gajerrongpeoplethroughouttheprojectoccurs

throughtheMGCorporation.

East Kimberley Development Package

CommonwealthinvestmentsintheEastKimberley

Regionaretheresultofajointassessmentof

economicandsocialdevelopmentneedsbythe

AustralianandWesternAustralianGovernments.

TheCommonwealth’sparticipationinthejoint

assessmentwasledbytheHonGaryGrayAOMP,

ParliamentarySecretaryforWesternandNorthern

Australia,withsupportfromtheOfficeofNorthern

Australia.TheWesternAustralianGovernment’s

participationwasledbytheHonBrendonGryllsMLA,

MinisterforRegionalDevelopment;Lands,supported

bytheDepartmentofStateDevelopment.

Forthejointassessment,theHon.GaryGraymet

anddiscussedelementsoftheEastKimberley

DevelopmentPackagewithallrelevant

CommonwealthandStateMinisters,andtravelled

totheregionontwooccasionstomeetwith

Indigenousleaders,localserviceproviders,

stakeholders,andlocalgovernmentrepresentatives,

aswellasmembersofthelocalcommunity.Healso

kepttheNorthernTerritoryGovernmentinformed

oftheCommonwealth’splans.Fivehighlevel

Inter-DepartmentalCommitteemeetingswere

heldtocoordinateinputfromother

Commonwealthagencies.

Figure 3: Governance structure for the Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan.


Right: The Ord River at the Ord River Dam. Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia

Thejointassessmentrecommended27projects

totalling$195.0million.TheWesternAustralian

Governmentisresponsibleforimplementing21

specificprojects,totalling$177.9million.These

projectsarecoveredbyaNationalPartnership

Agreement,throughwhichbothpartiescommit

toworkingtogethertosupportnationbuilding

andeconomicstimulusobjectiveswhileaddressing

socialandeconomicdisadvantageintheEast

KimberleyRegion.TheAustralianandWestern

AustralianGovernmentswillworkcollaboratively

todevelopimplementationplansforeachproject,

andtodevelopalocation-specificIndigenous

workforceimplementationplanfortheEast

KimberleyDevelopmentPackage.Theproject

governanceframeworkfortheseprojectswillbethe

sameasfortheOrdIrrigationExpansionProject

previouslyoutlined.

Afurthersixinfrastructureprojects,totalling$17.1

million,willbefundedthroughdirectprovider

engagementordirectagreementswiththeShire

ofWyndhamEastKimberley(outsidetheNational

PartnershipAgreement).TheCommonwealthwill

consultwiththeWesternAustralianGovernment,

theCouncilandtheCommunityReferenceGroupon

theseprojectstodeliverthebestpossibleoutcomes

forthelocalcommunity.

TiMEfRaMEs

ThepredictableweatherpatternsthatmaketheEast

KimberleyRegionideallysuitedforagriculturealso

makeitimpossibletoundertakelargescale

constructionactivitiesallyearround.Thedeliveryof

newirrigatedagriculturallandandwater

infrastructureisparticularlydifficultduringthewet

seasonandhasbeenscheduledtocoincidewiththe

twodryseasonsintheleaduptothelandreleasein

2011.Theconstructionoftransportinfrastructure

includingroad,airportandportupgradesisalso

plannedwiththeseasonsinmind.

Theconstructionofeducation,health,and

communityinfrastructureislesssusceptibleto

seasonaldelays.Constructionactivitiesthat

prioritisethebuildingofroofsandwallsinthedry

seasonandinternalfitoutinthewetcanensure

constructionactivitiescontinueallyearround.The

deliveryofsocialandcommunityinfrastructurewill

commencein2009.

EnGaGinG THE CoMMuniTy

Buildingaccountabilityandaproductiverelationship

withthecommunityandkeystakeholdersarekey

objectivesoftheOrd-EastKimberleyDevelopment

Plan.Ongoingcommunityinputiscriticalfor

informeddecision-making.

Thecommunityhasbeenencouragedtoexpress

itsviewsandprovideinputontheprojectthrough

avarietyofmeansincluding:

• localvenuessuchaslibraries

• localeventssuchastheOrdValleyMuster

andtheKununurraAgriculturalShow

• publicdisplays

• communityforums,briefingsandworkshops

• communitynewsletters

• guidedtoursoftheprojectarea

• localtelevision,radioandnewspapers.

TheCommunityReferenceGroupcontinuestoplay

apivotalroleinensuringthecommunity’sviews

arerepresented.

DElivERinG inDiGEnous BEnEfiTs

OneofthedrivingforcesfortheOrd-EastKimberley

DevelopmentPlanistheimprovementofthefinancial

andsocialwellbeingofthelocalIndigenous

communitybyprovidingeducationandtraining,

employmentanddirectownershipopportunities.

ThehighlevelofwelfaredependencyintheEast

Kimberleyisacurrentconcern.Theageprofileofthe

populationsuggestsasubstantiallygreaterproblem

incomingyearsifsomethingisnotdonetoimprove

Indigenousemployment.

TheOrd-EastKimberleyDevelopmentPlanisnot

simplyaboutdeliveringanincreaseineconomic

activityintheregion.Itisalsoaboutproviding

opportunitiesforthemostseverelydisadvantaged

intheEastKimberleyRegion.

The ord final agreement

TheWesternAustralianGovernmenthaspartnered

withtheMiriuwungandGajerrongpeoplewhoare

thetraditionalownersandcustodiansoftheland

uponwhichagriculturallotswillbereleasedaspart

ofthisproject.Thispartnershipprovidesaframework

inwhichtheMiriuwungandGajerrongpeoplecan

Above: The top of the Ord River Dam and Lake Argyle. Photo courtesy of Tourism

Western Australia


The Ord-East Kimberley Development plan continued

benefitfromthefuturedevelopmentoftheOrdRiver

IrrigationArea,bydeliveringbetterhealth,

education,training,employmentanddirect

ownershipopportunities.

ThepartnershipisbasedaroundtheOrdFinal

Agreement(OFA).Signedon6October2005,the

OFAincludesa$57millioncompensationpackage

fortheextinguishmentofnativetitleover65,000

hectaresofEastKimberleyland,andforthenegative

environmentalandsocialimpactsoftheOrdStage1

Project.UndertheOFA,theMiriuwungandGajerrong

peoplewillreceiveareasoflandinandaroundthe

proposedagriculturalregionsandcommunities,as

wellasfundsfortheestablishmentandmanagement

oftheMGCorporationtoactonbehalfofthe

MiriuwungandGajerrongpeople.

Thecompensationpackageincludesarangeof

initiativesthatfocuson:

• developingthecapacityoftheMiriuwungand

Gajerrongpeopletoengageinthelocaleconomy

andbenefitfromanyfuturedevelopment

• improvedlandmanagementofkeyareasin

conjunctionwiththeMiriuwungandGajerrong

people

• benefitsfortheIndigenouscommunityasawhole

ratherthananysinglepersonorgroup.

ThemajorcomponentsoftheOFAinclude:

• $24millionover10yearstoestablishandoperate

thenewMGCorporation.Thisincludessettingup

aspecialEconomicDevelopmentUnitandan

InvestmentTrust

• $15millionoflandtobetransferredtotheMG

CorporationincludingYardungarrl(50,000

hectares)and19CommunityLivingAreas.

Thefigureincludesapercentageoffuture

landdevelopment

• $11millionfortheOrdEnhancementSchemeto

addresstherecommendationsoftheAboriginal

SocialandEconomicImpactAssessmentofOrd

Stage1.Thisincludesenhancedsocialservicesto

theNorth-EastKimberley

• $6milliontotheDepartmentofEnvironment

andConservationtofundjointmanagement

arrangementsfornewconservationareaswith

theMiriuwungandGajerrongpeople

• $820,000tocoverthefreeholdestablishment

costs

• $119,700totheDepartmentofWatertofundjoint

managementarrangementsforReserve31165.

EveryoneintheEastKimberleyRegionbenefitsfrom

theagreementby:

• theremovalofeconomicuncertaintyassociated

withnativetitleandheritage,includingavoiding

furtherlitigationtoresolveoutstanding

compensationissues

• increasedjobsandwealthforthecommunityfrom

thedevelopmentoftheland

• communitybenefitsandincreasedwealththrough

theimprovedparticipationoftheMiriuwungand

Gajerrongpeopleinthelocaleconomy

• provisionforthedevelopmentofKununurraand

theimprovementofroadsandotherinfrastructure

inconjunctionwiththeagriculturaldevelopment

• theestablishmentofconservationparksfor

conservation,recreationandtourism

• theprotectionoftheenvironmentandcultural

heritageoftheregion.

The aboriginal Development Package

TheAboriginalDevelopmentPackage(ADP)is

providedforintheOFA.TheWesternAustralian

GovernmentandtheMGCorporationarenegotiating

theADP,whichMiriuwungandGajerrongleaders

recogniseisaonce-in-a-lifetimeopportunityfortheir

peopletobreakoutofacycleofsocialdisadvantage

andwelfaredependence.

TheADPwillenableandencouragetheMiriuwung

andGajerrongpeopletoparticipateintheeconomic

opportunitiesoftheOrdIrrigationExpansionProject

andprovidethemwiththecapacitytoparticipatein

theEastKimberleyDevelopmentPackage.The

WesternAustralianGovernmentandtheMiriuwung

andGajerrongpeopleagreethatthescopeofthe

ADPistobefocussedontheOrdIrrigation

ExpansionProject,whichwillenablethewidest

The Hon. Colin Barnett, Premier; Carol Hapke, traditional owner, The Hon. Gary Gray,

Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia; The Hon. Brendon Grylls,

Minister for Regional Development; Lands.


possiblerangeofemployment,contractingand

businessopportunitiestobeconsidered.

TheOfficeofNativeTitlehasdevelopedtheADPin

closeconsultationwiththeMGCorporation,Western

AustralianGovernmentagencies,Commonwealth

Governmentagencies,trainingproviders,and

AboriginaltrustorganisationslocatedinKununurra.

AfinalagreementontheADPisanticipatedbythe

endof2009betweentheWesternAustralian

GovernmentandtheMGCorporation.

TheADPwilldrawontheprinciplesthatwere

establishedintheOFAandalsoincludesome

additionalones.Therangeofbenefitsaretobe

focusedonachievingoutcomesfortheMiriuwung

andGajerrongpeopleinemployment,training,

participationintenderingforgoodsandservices,the

developmentofbusinesscapacity,andthe

acquisitionofaproportionofthefreehold

agriculturalland.TheADPalsoprovidesfor

consultationduringthedevelopmentandfor

Aboriginalheritageprotection.

Someoftheelementsunderconsiderationforthe

packageinclude:

• anauditoftheMiriuwungandGajerrong

populationtodeterminetheirskills,work

experienceandemploymentaspirations,which

willthenbematchedtosuitableemploymentin

theregion

• thecreationoffundsthatcanbeusedto

supplementexistingtrainingprograms,address

barrierstoemploymentandrewardachievement

byemployeesandemployers

• buildingthecapacityoftheMGCorporationand

theWesternAustralianGovernmenttoimplement

theADP

• theintroductionofintensivementoring

arrangementstosupportemployees,their

familiesandemployerstoachievesustained

employmentoutcomes

• providingMiriuwungandGajerrongpeopleand

otherIndigenousbusinesseswithopportunitiesto

tenderforgoodsandservices

• supportingthedevelopmentofMiriuwungand

Gajerrongbusinesses

• supportingtheMGCorporation’srighttoacquire

andpurchasefarmlandundertheOFA.

TheADPwillimprovetheMGCorporation’scapacity

toparticipateintheCommonwealthGovernment’s

EastKimberleyDevelopmentPackageandthepart

oftheStateGovernment’sOrdIrrigationExpansion

Projectthatrelatestothedevelopmentoffarmland

ontheWeaberPlains.

The Ord-East Kimberley

Development Plan is not

simply about delivering an

increase in economic activity in

the region. It is also about

providing opportunities for the

most severely disadvantaged

in the East Kimberley Region.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd talks to local community member Tim Croot alongside

Premier Colin Barnett and the Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia,

Hon. Gary Gray.


TheWesternAustralianGovernmentwillrelease8,000hectaresofagriculturallandin2011.


Ord Irrigation Expansion project

the ord irrigation expansion Project is

focused on the delivery of 8,000 hectares

of irrigated agricultural land as the first stage

in the achievement of a longer term goal to

maximise irrigation potential in the region.

this includes four potential packages of

land in western australia and one in the

Northern territory.

Theprojectwilldeliverabout8,000hectaresin

theWeaberPlainsin2011.Thisareahasalready

receivedmanyofthenecessarystatutoryand

otherapprovalstoproceed.Theprojectisalso

progressingthescopingworkrequiredforthree

additionallandreleasesinthePacksaddle(1,380

hectares)andMantineaareas(4,000hectares)

andOrdWestBank(1,300hectares)whichislikely

tooccurpost2011(Figure4).

WEaBER Plains

TheWeaberPlainsareaisbeingdevelopedforrelease

in2011.Thisareacomprises8,000hectaresofmainly

AquitaineclaysoilabuttingtheexistingOrdStage1to

thenorth-eastofKununurra(Figure5).TheWeaber

Plainsareaisthefirstparceloflandintheareaknown

astheStage2M2areawhichincludeslandintheKnox

CreekPlainandKeepRiverPlain(Figure5).See

‘Conceptsforfuturedevelopmentofagriculturalland

intheEastKimberley’onpage40.Thedevelopmentof

theWeaberPlainsareaisastrategicchoice,allowing

thepossibilityforfuturedevelopmentoftheremaining

Stage2M2areas.

TheWeaberPlainsareahasalreadyreceivedthe

approvalstoproceedandisthelargestlandparcel

availablefordevelopmentaspartofthisproject.

TheDepartmentofAgricultureandFoodhasalso

demonstratedthatthisareaissuitableforarangeof

crops.Forthesereasonsanditsstrategicimportance

intermsofpotentialfuturelanddevelopment,the

OrdIrrigationExpansionProjectisfocussingon

deliveringthislandforreleasein2011.

Thedevelopmentoftheremainingareaofthe

WesternAustralianStage2M2area(KnoxCreek

Plains)iscurrentlyconstrainedfromanagricultural

expansionperspectivebythepossibledevelopment

ofabasemetalsmineatSorbyHills(Figure5).Once

thisprojecthasexhausteditsproductivecapacity

thelandwillberehabilitatedandmadesuitablefor

agriculture.Thiswillallowafurther8,000hectares

oflandtobedeveloped.See‘Conceptsforfuture

developmentofagriculturallandintheEast

Kimberley’onpage40.

MoreinformationabouttheWeaberPlainsarea

canbefoundinAppendix2–Agricultural

ProductionintheOrd.

Background photo: Courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 18

Stage 1

M1 Area

IVAN HOE

KeepRiver

R IVE RORD

O RD

RIV

ER

KU N U N U RRATOWN S ITE

We

ste

rn

Au

str

ali

a

No

rth

er

n T

er

rit

or

y

N

PIN

CO

MB

E R

AN

GE

DU

NH

AM

R IVE R

WEABER RANGE

SorbyHillsEnvelope

Knox Creek

Perth

Kununurra

Area of Interest

ORD IRRIGATION E XPANSION PROJECT

C u r r e n t d e v e l o p m e n t a r e a

P o t e n t i a l d e v e l o p m e n t a r e a s

We a b e r P l a i n s

M a n t i n e a

O r d We s t B a n k

P a c k s a d d l e

Figure 4: The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan.Page 19 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan

Developing land and delivering to market

LandCorpwillmanagetheprocessofdeliveringthe

initialfarmlotstoensureallnecessaryenvironmental

conditionsaremetandenvironmentalapprovals

obtained.Itwillalsomanageplanningapprovals,

subdivisionapprovals,thecreationoffarminglots

andthemarketingandsaleoflandforthe8,000

hectareWeaberPlainsarea.Anexampleofa

subdivisionplanfortheWeaberPlainsareais

showninFigure6.

LandCorpisinanexcellentpositiontodeliverthe

agriculturalland.Ithasexperiencedeliveringland

subdivisionsinremoteandchallenginglocations,

andhasagoodworkingrelationshipwithkeylocal

stakeholdersincludingtheShireofWyndhamEast

KimberleyandtheMGCorporation.

ThemethodofsaleofWeaberPlainslandisbeing

finalisedwithoptionsincludingconventionalsale,

auctionortender.

activities in financial year 08/09

• LandCorpwillundertakeactivitiesrelatedto

preparationofenvironmentalmanagementplans,

Federalenvironmentalapproval,dryseasonflora

andfaunasurveys,planningactivitiesassociated

withWesternAustralianPlanningCommission

approvalandpreparationofmarketingandland

salesawarenessmaterials.


• LandCorpwillundertakeactivitiesrelatedto

thecompletionofenvironmentalfloraand

faunasurveysforWeaberPlains,Mantinea,

OrdWestBankandPacksaddle,completion

ofallenvironmentalmanagementplans,

subdivisionapprovalsandschemeamendments.

• Landcorpwillcontinuetomanagethesubdivision

awareness/marketingprogramandundertake

landvaluationassessments.


• LandCorpwillfocusonthemarketingandsalesof

WeaberPlainsirrigationlandincluding

managementofthesubdivisionawareness

programandmarketinglandforsale.


• LandsaleswillbecompletedandLandCorpwill

managelandownershiptransferactivities.

N

SorbyHillsEnvelope

Weaber Plains

KnoxCreek

KeepRiver

Figure 5: The Weaber Plains development area


selecting the water service provider and setting

a water price

TheDepartmentofWaterisresponsiblefor

selectingthewaterserviceproviderforthecurrent

8,000hectaresandfutureexpansions,establishing

thewaterpricingarrangementsandforwater

allocationlicensing.

TheDepartmentofWaterwillrunatwostage

selectionprocessfortheserviceprovider,beginning

witharegisterofinterest(openedinJune2009).

Oncedetailsarefinalisedaroundthetechnicaland

financialaspectsofprovidingirrigationservicesto

thenewarea,theDepartmentofWaterwillbeginits

formalselectionprocess.Thiswillinvolvethe

DepartmentofWaterreleasingadetailedprospectus

onthewaterservicebusinessandrequirements,with

interestedpartiessubmittingapplicationsbasedon

theirtechnicalandfinancialsuitabilityindelivering

irrigationwaterservices.

Oncethepreferredproviderhasbeenannounced,

theproviderwillapplytotheEconomicRegulation

Authorityforitswaterserviceslicence.

TheDepartmentofWaterwillalsoestablishthe

pricingarrangementsforthenewirrigationservice.

Thiswillincludedetailsonownershipandpricingof

the$119millioninnewirrigationinfrastructure.Once

theserviceproviderisselected,theDepartmentof

Waterwillnegotiatewiththenewproviderto

determinethemostsuitablepricingarrangements

forthearea.


• DepartmentofWatertocommenceregisterof

interestfortheserviceprovider


• DepartmentofWatertoreleasethedetailed

waterservicesprospectus

• DepartmentofWatertoselectthewater

serviceprovider

• DepartmentofWatertonegotiateandestablish

specificpricingarrangements


• DepartmentofWatertoassesslicenceapplication

fornewwaterallocation

• DepartmentofWatertofinaliselicenceconditions

• DepartmentofWatertoissuelicensedwater

entitlementstoserviceprovider/users

J

J

J J

J

J

J

J

J J

J J

J J JJ

J JJ

J

J

JJ

J

J

J

J

J

J

J

JJ

LOT 7

LOT 11 LOT 12 LOT 13 LOT 14 LOT 15

LOT 17

LOT 19

LOT 20

LOT 18

LOT 5LOT 4LOT 3LOT 6

LOT 2

LOT 16

LOT 1

LOT 10

LOT 21

LOT 9

LOT 23

LOT 8

642.22ha

441.41ha 387.04ha 416.44ha

434.31ha

495.23ha

450.97ha

233.77ha

459.60ha

241.96ha

157.32ha

723.86ha

223.43ha

330.44ha

482.37ha

605.26ha

386.07ha

80.32ha

576.47ha

329.85ha 319.44ha

439.18ha

WA

- N

T B

OR

DER

PINCOMBE

lEGEND

WEABER ROAD

0 1km 2km 4km

M2 Buffer

Flood Protection Levee and Drains

(405.97ha)

(364.78ha)

(10,470.94ha)

LOT SCHEDULE

LOT 1LOT 2LOT 3LOT 4LOT 5LOT 6LOT 7LOT 8LOT 9LOT 10LOT 11LOT 12LOT 13

LOT 14LOT 15LOT 16LOT 17LOT 18LOT 19LOT 20LOT 21LOT 22LOT 23LOT 24LOT 25

330.44ha723.86ha241.96ha459.60ha439.18ha157.32ha642.22ha576.47ha386.07ha482.37ha441.41ha387.04ha329.85ha

319.44ha416.44ha223.43ha434.31ha233.77ha495.23ha450.97ha605.26ha143.45ha80.32ha36.42ha15.08ha

TOTAL 9015.91ha

Subject Land (20257.6ha)

Road Reserves (Including irrigation channel)

LOT 2515.08ha

LOT 2436.42ha

LOT 22143.45ha

N

Figure 6: An example of a subdivision plan for the Weaber Plains area. The green area is the conservation buffer for the development.

Ord Irrigation Expansion project continued

Above: Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia


DElivERinG infRasTRuCTuRE foR iRRiGaTED aGRiCulTuRE

Asignificantamountofnewinfrastructureis

requiredtoprepareWeaberPlainsforirrigated

agriculturein2011(Figure10).Workscommenced

in2009andwillcontinueuntilthelandisreleased

in2011(Figure7).LandCorpismanagingthe

infrastructuredelivery.

Water infrastructure

Themostsignificantinfrastructurecomponentisthe

constructionofnewwaterinfrastructure,principally

irrigationchannelsandmanagementofwetseason

surfacewateranddrains.Thefocusisonoff-farm

bulkwaterdelivery.TheWaterCorporation,which

currentlyownstheexistingbulkwaterdelivery

channel(knownastheM1Channel),hasbegunthe

necessaryworksinordertodeliversufficientwater

totheWeaberPlainsarea.Thenewwater

infrastructure(includingthenewdeliverychannel,

knownastheM2Channel)willbebuiltinstages.

Atypicalbulkwaterdeliverychannelisshown

inFigure8.Additionalcontrolstructureswillalso

beconstructedduringtheOrdIrrigation

ExpansionProject.

Theactivitiesfordeliveringthebulkwaterdelivery

system(includingreinstatingtheM1Channeltoits

originaldesigncapacity)areindicatedbelow.

activities in year 2009

• WaterCorporationtoensureexistingmainM1

irrigationchannelcanmeetdemandsofthe

proposedWeaberPlainsirrigationarea.

• LandcorpandWaterCorporationtodesignM2

irrigationchannelbetweenM1C3andD4,

includingassociatedcontrolgatesandsiphon

underexistingmaindrain(D4).


• LandCorpresponsibleforconstructingtheM2

channeltoapointofdistributionwithinthe

WeaberPlainssubdivision,includingstructures

andchannelprotectiondrains.

LandCorp,inconjunctionwiththeirrigationservice

providerheadcontractor,willdesignandspecifythe

off-farmirrigationnetworkforconstructioninthe

Year2011.

Weaber Plains Road extension

TheWeaberPlainsRoadwillbeextendedinorderto

servicetheWeaberPlainsirrigationareasubdivision

togetherwithoff-farmroadswithintheagricultural

landsubdivision.Thiswillincludea16kmextension

oftheexistingWeaberPlainsRoadtotheWeaber

Plainsirrigationsubdivision.Atypicalroadsection

designisshowninFigure9.

Figure 8: Typical channel design

year 2009 2010 2011

Season wet dry wet dry wet dry wet

Proposed

activities Forward works

•Materialssourcing

•Surveygeotechnical

investigation

•Trafficplanning

•Environmentalapprovals

•Developmentof

environmentalplans

•Engineeringdesign

Phase one construction

•WeaberPlainsRoadto

subdivision

•M2Channeltosubdivision

•Hillsidedrains

•EngineeringdesignofPhase2

Phase two construction

•Subdivisionroads

•Subdivisionirrigationsupply

channels

•Telecommunicationswithin

subdivision

•Regulators,SCADA

(M2Channel)

•Fencing

•Saleofland

Figure 7: Irrigation infrastructure delivery.

Figure 9: Typical road section



� � � ��

Review original design capacity of the M1 Irrigation Channel

M2 Irrigation ChannelCorridorTwo routes are being considered for one section of the channel

Infrastructure Corridor

Weaber Plains Road extension and other infrastructure

Duplicate M1 Irrigation channel. This will be the beginning of the M2 Irrigation Channel

N

The start of the M1 Irrigation Channelis on the Ord River at the former Pump Station

The last control gate before the start of the M2 Irrigation Channel

Figure 10: The irrigation infrastructure projects for the development of the Weaber Plains.


Forward works related to:

• DeterminetheroadalignmentforWeaberPlains

Roadextension;

• Determinematerialextractionareasandobtain

necessaryenvironmentalapprovalsforextraction;

• Completegroundlevelsurveyalongagreedroad

alignment;

• Determineroadtrafficloadingandsubsequent

roadprofiledesignparameters;

• Determinestandardofroad;roadsurface

treatmentsforWeaberPlainsRoadand

subdivisionaccessroads.


• Inconjunctionwithotherconstructionagencies,provideinputtodevelopmentofroadspecificationanddesign.

• CommenceconstructionofWeaberPlainsRoadtoirrigationsubdivision.


• CompleteconstructionofWeaberPlainsRoad.

• Completeconstructionofoff-farmsubdivisionroads.

• HandoverroadworkstoShireofWyndhamEastKimberley.

Telecommunications infrastructure

Additionaltelecommunicationsinfrastructure

isbeingconsidered.Itisanticipatedthatthis

infrastructurewillsupplymobilecoverageto

newfarms.

Power infrastructure

Theprovisionofpowertothefarmlotsiscurrently

beinginvestigatedbyLandCorpandHorizonPower,

theState’sregionalpowerprovider.TheState

Governmentisworkingcloselywiththecommunity

toensurethattheoptionsbeingconsideredare

consistentwiththerequirementsofthefarming

community.Optionsbeinginvestigatedrangefrom

selfsupplytocombinationsofcommonuser

servicenetworks.


EnviRonMEnTal ManaGEMEnT

TheWesternAustralianGovernmentiscommittedto

ensuringtheexpansionoftheirrigationareawill

preservethebiodiversityandintegrityofthenatural

landscapeandculturalheritage.Akeypartofthisisto

ensureastrongenvironmentalapproachistaken.

TheEnvironmentalProtectionAuthority(EPA)

requiredenvironmentalsurveysandthepreparation

ofspecificmanagementplanstominimisethe

environmentalimpactsofthedevelopment.Together,

themanagementplanscovertherequired

environmentalmanagementforeachphaseofthe

development:pre-construction,constructionand

operation.Theycovermanagementofboththe8,000

hectaresoflandreleasedforirrigatedagricultureand

theapproximately10,000hectaresofthe

environmentalbufferareawhichsurroundstheland

release(seeFigure6).Themanagementplansinclude:

• GroundwaterManagementPlan

• SurfaceWaterManagementPlan

• Weeds,PlantPathogensandPestAnimals

ManagementPlan

• FireManagementPlan

• BiodiversityManagementPlan

• FloraandFaunaProtectionPlan

• DustManagementPlan

• MosquitoandDiseaseVectorManagementPlan

• SoilManagementPlan

• RevegetationManagementPlan

• ChemicalManagementPlan

• InfrastructureMaintenancePlan

• EnvironmentalEducationandTrainingPlan.

Allplansrelatingtothemanagementofwatermust

complywiththeNationalWaterInitiativeincluding

activesurfacewatermanagementtoachievezerodry

seasontail-waterreturnandminimisegroundwater

accessions,andthemanagementofanylong-term

groundwateraccumulationtoavoidanysignificant

waterresourceorassociatedenvironmentalimpact.

WaTER availaBiliTy anD usE

TheOrdIrrigationExpansionProjectwouldnotbe

possiblewithouttheconstructionoftheOrdRiver

DamwhichcreatedLakeArgylein1971.Thestorage

capacityofLakeArgyleis10,763gigalitres(GL).The

lakenormallyhasasurfaceareaof1,000square

kilometres.TheOrdRiverflowsoutofLakeArgyle.

AlthoughtheOrdRiverisasignificantwaterresource,

itisunderincreasingpressurefromthecompeting

demandsofirrigationandhydro-powergeneration

coupledwiththewaterrequirementsneededto

maintaintheenvironment.TheOrdRiverwater

allocationplanwasreleasedinDecember2006bythe

DepartmentofWatertosetoutwatersharing

arrangementsandprovidesuretyfornew

developments.Theplanseeksto:

• provideforexistingcommitmentstoirrigationand

hydro-powergeneration

• allocateadditionalwatertomeetfutureirrigation

requirements

• identifynewwaterreleaserulesforthehydro-

powerstationattheOrdRiverDamthatprovidefor

theotherallocationswhileenablingadditional

hydro-electricitytobegeneratedbyPacificHydro

• establishenvironmentalflowstoprotectthe

ecologyoftheLowerOrdRiverbelowthe

KununurraDiversionDam.

Followingthereleaseoftheplan,workhas

continuedonimprovingtheunderstandingofthe

hydrologyoftheLakeArgyleCatchmentand

establishingcomprehensiveecologicalwater

requirementsforthelowerOrdRiver.Thisinformation

iscurrentlybeingusedtorevisethewaterrelease

rulesforthehydro-electricpowerstationandto

confirmtheirrigationallocations.

using water efficiently

BecauseofthegrowingdemandsontheOrdRiver,

itisessentialthatallwaterusersareasefficientas

possible.Significantefficiencygainsareexpectedin

theexistingirrigationareafromfurtherautomation

ofcurrentwaterdistributioninfrastructureand

improvedwaterscheduling.


Water for the generation of power

Waterreleasedforpowergenerationcontributesto

irrigationuseandenvironmentalflowsformuchofthe

year.However,releasesmadeforpowergeneration

alonedrawLakeArgyledownandincreasetheriskand

severityofrestrictionsonirrigationsuppliesandthe

environmentinthefuture.Constraintsonpower

generationarethereforerequiredfrommidlevelsin

LakeArgyletomaintainacceptableenvironmental

releasesandirrigationsuppliesduringdryperiods.

Environmental flow requirements

Theenvironmentalflowhasbeensettomeetcurrent

ecologicalvalues.WhentheallocationfromtheOrd

RiverbetweentheKununurraDiversionDamand

TarraraBar(750GL/annum)isfullylicensedandbeing

diverted,theflowrateinthelowerOrdRiverwilldrop

fromitscurrent65-75m3/secondtoatypical42m3/

secondduringthedryseason.Thisdryseasonflow,

withhigherflowsinthewetseason,willfullymeetthe

ecologicalrequirementsofthelowerOrdRiverin88

percentofyears.TheOrdRiverwaterallocationplan

isbeingupdatedtoreflectcurrentlyavailable

informationandfacilitateenvironmentalimpact

assessmentofthecumulativeimpactofchangesto

theflowregimeofthelowerOrdRiverthatwillresult

fromtheproposeddevelopments.

updating the ord River Water Management Plan

Consistentwiththeallocationsofthe2006plan,

wateravailabilitywillbeoptimisedbyimplementing

preciseoperatingrulesfortheOrdRiverDamandthe

KununurraDiversionDam.Thecurrentsustainable

diversionlimitfortheOrdRiverisdeterminedas

865GL/annum(includingdiversionlimitfromthe

OrdRiverdownstreamofHouseRoofHill).Thisis

dividedamongstcurrentandplannedirrigation

areas(Table1).

table 1: the updated plan provides for the allocations at 95% reliability (unless otherwise noted).

utilisation of existing water (gigalitres)

area

350* OrdStage1(currentandprovisionforgrowth)

400 OrdStage2M2Area

115 DownstreamofHouseRoofHill(incMantinea)

total

865

*100gigalitresisat90percentreliability

Theupdatedplanwillbereleasedforpublic

commentlaterin2009,inlinewiththestakeholder

consultationforthecurrent8,000hectareexpansion

project.Whiletheallocationvolumeshavenot

changedfromthe2006plan,publiccommentis

necessarytofinalisetheupdatedplan.

Commitments to the national Water initiative

WesternAustraliaisasignatorytotheNational

WaterInitiative(NWI)whichistheplatformfor

waterreformacrossAustralia.NWIcompliant

watermanagementisakeystrategicobjective

oftheWesternAustralianandAustralian

Governmentsandassuchrepresentsakeydriverin

thedeliveryandadministrationoftheOrdIrrigation

ExpansionProject.

TheupdatedOrdRiverwaterallocationplanwill

providesecurityofwaterfortheenvironment,guide

thegrantingoflicencesthatwillsecurewater

entitlementsforthedevelopment,anddefinewater

managementaccountabilities(includingscheduling

systemsforwaterdistributionandon-farmwater

recyclingfacilities)asrequiredbytheNWI.

TheNWIalsosetsdirectiononbestpracticewater

pricingandinstitutionalarrangements.

Current water demand for agricultural production

Mostofthecurrentwaterprovidedforagricultural

productionintheOrdRiverIrrigationAreais

allocatedtotheOrdIrrigationCo-operative(OIC).

TheOICholdsalicenceforthediversionofan

averageof335GL/annumfromLakeKununurra

whichisbasedonapreviousestimateofdemand

whilesugarcanewasstillinproduction.Each

shareholderoftheOICisprovidedwithanannual

waterallocationof17millionlitres(ML)perhectare.

Actualusevarieseachseasoninrelationtothemixof

cropssownandrainfallreceivedoverthewetseason.

Whilenotalltheareaisplantedeachyear,some

areasmaybecroppedtwiceinthesameyear.An

exampleofarecentcropmixandresultingwater

requirementsisoutlinedinTable2.


Above: Lake Argyle. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia


TheOICallocation(with90-95%reliability)takes

intoaccounttherequirementsforirrigated

productionplussystemdelivery.

AgriculturalproducersadjacenttotheOrdRiverare

licensedforselfsupplybytheDepartmentofWater

andsuppliedbytheWaterCorporation.Theseland

ownershaveestablishedtheirsystemstodivert

waterdirectlyfromLakeKununurraorthe

downstreamriveranddonotrequirewaterservices

fromtheOIC.Thetotalself-supplyprovision

accountsforapproximately8.1GL/annum.However,

notallofthiswaterisspecificallyforagricultural

production(mangoandredgrapefruit)andincludes

waterforpublicuses.TheOrdRiverwaterallocation

plansetsasideatotalof15GL/annumforriverside

usersintheexistingirrigationarea.

future water demand for agricultural production

TheOrdRiverwaterallocationplanidentifiesover

515GL/annumforfuturedevelopmentsbeyondthe

existing350GL/annumalreadyidentifiedforthe

existingirrigationarea.FourhundredGL/annum

(with95%reliability)hasbeenallocatedforthe

developmentoftheStage2M2areaand115GL/

annumwillbemadeavailabledownstreamofHouse

RoofHillforanydevelopmentinthisarea,including

theMantineaareas.

InlinewiththeState’sobligationsundertheNWI,

theDepartmentofWaterhasadvisedthatanynew

irrigationdevelopmentswillneedtoestablish

efficientwaterdistributioninfrastructureand

on-farmwateringequipmenttoachievebest

irrigationpractices.

Dependingonirrigationdistributionefficiency,the

allocationsforalldevelopmentswillbesetataround

10-12MLperhectareperyear,toaccommodatewater

demandforthelikelycropmix.Usingtrading,water

mayalsobemovedbetweenhigherandlowervalue

crops,ascurrentlydonewithintheOIC.

Preliminarycropwaterrequirementsbyirrigation

systemandseasonhavebeencompiledbythe

DepartmentofAgricultureandFood(Table2).The

listindicatesaveragewaterusewhichmayvarydue

tolocalconditions.

note:

Excludeson-farmlosses(i.e.runoff,deep

seepageetc.).WorkcompletedonOrdStageI

A Dependsontypeofcrop,lengthofgrowing

seasonandplantingdate.

B Plantingdateaffectsirrigationrequirement.

C Preliminaryestimate;furtherworkrequired.

ForestProductsCommissionmayhavemore

reliabledata.

D Reductioninirrigationrequirementpossible.

table 2: Preliminary irrigation requirements (assuming an average wet season).

crop type Season in paddock crop irrigation requirement (mL/ha)

Chickpeas Dry 4.8

Chia Dry 6.9

Otherinclculinarybeans Dry 6.3

HybridSeeds Dry 6.4A

Sorghumseedcrops Dry 6.4

SweetCorn Dry 4.1B

Otherseedcrops(s/floweretc) Dry 5.2

Cotton Dry 7.0

Leucaena Wet/Dry 9.2

Sugarcane Wet/Dry 17.5

Riceaerobic Dry 6.6

Sandalwood Wet/Dry 9.4C

Bananas Wet/Dry 20.2

Mangoes Wet/Dry 8.0

RedGrapefruit(citrus) Wet/Dry 12.2D

FreshBeans Dry 4.3

PumpkinJarrahale Dry 5.8

Pumpkinbutternut Dry 5.8

PumpkinJap Dry 5.8

PumpkinNS Dry 5.8

Rockmelon Dry 3.9

Honeydews Dry 3.9

Watermelons Dry 5.8

Otherhortcrops Dry 4.6

Covercrops/hay Wet 3.0

Above: Lake Argyle. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia



fuTuRE lanD RElEasEs

BEyonD 2011

TheOrdIrrigationExpansionProjectisalso

conductingscopingworkonlandreleasesadditional

tothe8,000haM2area.Therearecurrentlyafurther

threelandpackagesbeingconsideredaspartof

theproject.

ord West Bank

OrdWestBank(Figure11)consistsofaround1,300

hectaresofleveesoils,ofwhichapproximately1,000

hectareswouldbesuitableforhighervalue

horticulturalcrops.

Thereiscurrentlyanearthformedroadrunning

throughthelandrelease(knownasValentineSprings

Road).Developmentofthislandforirrigated

agriculturemayrequiretheconstructionofasealed

roadtoreplaceValentineSpringsRoadandprovide

all-weatheraccesstothenewdevelopmentarea.

AsaconsequenceoftheOFA,theareahasnative

titleandheritageclearanceandisavailablefor

releaseandsubsequentdevelopmentonceall

approvalsareinplace.Theareahasundergone

preliminaryenvironmentalassessment(including

environmentalsurveys)andfullenvironmental

clearanceisexpectedby2011.

Theirrigationwaterrequirementsforthisland

releaseunderfulldevelopmentareapproximately

10-15GL/annum.Thereissufficientwaterunderthe

currentwaterallocationstosupplythisdemand,

althoughthemechanismandmethodfordistribution

andsalehasyettobedetermined.

N

Mantinea West Mantinea East

Eastern portion of Parry Creek Road

Figure 12: Mantinea is comprised of Mantinea East and Mantinea West.

Ord West Bank

Victoria Highway

N

KununurraTownsite

Figure 11: Ord West Bank


Mantinea

LocatedonthebanksoftheOrdRiver,45kilometres

northwestofKununurra,Mantineaiscomprisedof

twogeographicareas(Figure12):

• MantineaEastwhichconsistsofapproximately

1,000hectaresofleveesoilsthataresuitablefor

highervaluecropswithpotentiallysmallerunit

farmsizes

• MantineaWestwhichconsistsofapproximately

3,000hectaresofcomplexmixedclaysoilsthat

couldbereleasedaslargerfarmblocks.

Nativetitleclearancefortheseareashasbeen

securedthroughtheOFA,andapreliminary

environmentalassessmenthasbeenconducted.

Aboriginalheritagesurveyprocessesareunderway

toensurethatallrequirementsoftheAboriginal

Heritage Act 1972aremet.Theseareexpectedtobe

completedby2011.

Irrigationwaterfortheseareas,whenfully

developed,willbepumpeddirectfromtheOrdRiver.

Themechanismandmethodologyofthewater

deliverywilldependoncroppingscenariosandare

yettobedetermined.Anallocationofupto

115GL/annumisprovidedfordiversiondownstream

ofHouseRoofHill.

Conceptualdesignsofirrigationanddrainage

infrastructuretoservicethetwoMantineaareas

werepreparedin1998.Thesedesignswillbe

reviewedinthecontextoffloodingriskand

drainageissuesassociatedwiththelowerOrdRiver.

Resultsofanynewdesignwouldbeincorporated

inthedocumentationpreparedforseekingfinal

environmentalapprovalswhicharerequired

beforethislandcanbemadeavailablefor

irrigatedagriculture.

Packsaddle

AsubstantialportionofthePacksaddlePlainsarea

wasdevelopedunderOrdStage1(Figure13).This

areaiscurrentlybeingusedtogrowavarietyof

horticulturalcropsaswellasIndianSandalwood.

Thelandpotentiallyavailablefornewdevelopment

onPacksaddlePlainscomprisesanareaof

approximately1,380hectares.Thedevelopment

opportunityiscontainedinscatteredpocketsof

leveeandcomplexclaysoilsthatmaybesuitablefor

arangeofhorticulturalandbroad-acrecrops.

Nativetitlehasbeenaddressedwiththe

traditionalownersthroughtheOFAandcultural

surveyshavebeenconductedinaccordance

withtheAboriginal

Heritage Act 1972.

Environmental

assessmentstomeetthe

State’senvironmental

proceduresandstatutes

havenotyetcommenced.

Irrigationwaterforthe

areashouldbeavailable

fromtheOrdRiverwithin

theexistingOrdRiver

waterallocationplanand

moremaybecome

availablewith

adjustmentstocurrent

licensingarrangements.

Groundwateroptions

mightalsobepossible

andwillrequireinvestigationdepending

oncroptypeandirrigationmethodology.

Furtheragronomicalwork,engineeringworkandsoil

surveyingisrequiredtoconfirmtheoptimum

locationoffarmingareasandcropsuitability.

Packsaddle

KununurraTownsite

Victoria Highway

N

Figure 13: Packsaddle Plains. Some of this area is already developed.

Above: Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia


TheAustralianGovernmentwillspend$195millionon27specificprojectstoassistinaddressingsocialandeconomicdisadvantagewithintheIndigenouspopulationandthecurrentdeficienciesintheavailablesocial,communityandcommon-useinfrastructure.


East Kimberley Development package

BaCKGRounD on JoinT

assEssMEnT

On12December2008,thePrimeMinisterannounced

theCommonwealthGovernment’s$4.7billionNation

Building-EconomicStimulusPackage.

Theinvestmentincluded$195millionover2008-09

and2009-10forsocialandcommon-use

infrastructuretosupporteconomicdevelopment

intheEastKimberleyRegion.

TheCommonwealth’sinvestmentintheEast

KimberleyRegionwasconditionalonajoint

CommonwealthandWesternAustralianGovernment

assessmentofthemosteffectiveinfrastructure

projectstomeetthesocialandeconomic

developmentneedsoftheregion.Thejoint

assessmentwasguidedbytermsofreferenceagreed

bytheCommonwealthandWesternAustralian

Governmentson24December2008.

TheCommonwealthGovernment’sparticipationin

thejointassessmentwasledbytheHonGaryGray

AOMP,ParliamentarySecretaryforWesternand

NorthernAustralia,supportedbytheOfficeof

NorthernAustralia.TheWesternAustralian

Government’sparticipationwasledbytheHon

BrendonGryllsMLA,MinisterforRegional

Development,supportedbytheDepartmentofState

Development.

TheEastKimberleyDevelopmentPackage(the

Package)wasdevelopedcollaborativelywiththe

WesternAustralianGovernmentandisbasedonfour

guidingprinciples.

First,CommonwealthinvestmentsunderthePackage

willbeusedtofundsocialandopenaccess,

common-useinfrastructurethattargetseconomic

andsocialdisadvantageandbringslong-term,

sustainablebenefitstothewholeoftheEast

KimberleyRegion.

Second,theWesternAustralianGovernmentwill

investanequivalentamountininfrastructureworks

directlyrelatedtothedevelopmentofadditional

irrigatedlandassociatedwiththeOrdexpansion,

includingtheaugmentationofexistingirrigation

channels,theconstructionofnewirrigationand

drainagechannels,roadaccessandservices.

Third,wherepossible,theCommonwealth’snew

investmentswillbedeliveredtotheEastKimberley

Regionthroughexistingagreementsand

frameworkstominimisedelayandcost,aswell

astoacknowledgeandbuildontheconsultations

andengagementsalreadyundertakenbetween

Governments,stakeholdergroupsandthe

community.

Andfinally,thePackagetakesintoaccountthe

sharedcommitmentbytheAustralianandWestern

AustralianGovernmentstonationalwaterreform,

andtheNationalWaterInitiativetoincreasethe

efficiencyandsustainabilityofAustralia’swateruse.

East Kimberley Development Package

TheCommonwealthdecisiontoinvestinthePackage

followedtheWesternAustralianGovernment’s

decisiontoproceedwithinvestmentintheexpansion

oftheOrdRiverirrigationschemearoundthetown

ofKununurra.

WesternAustraliahascommitted$220milliontothe

OrdIrrigationExpansionProject,whichisfocusedon

developinganddeliveringagriculturalland,in

conjunctionwithsupportinginfrastructure,

includingoff-farmirrigationanddrainage,roadsand

otherservices.Theprojectwillincreasetheamount

ofirrigatedlandintheEastKimberleyRegionfrom

14,000toapproximately22,000hectares.

ThePackagewillassistinaddressingsocialand

economicdisadvantagewithintheIndigenous

populationandthecurrentdeficienciesinthe

availablesocial,communityandcommon-use

infrastructure.Theinvestmentwillalsoalleviatethe

criticalshortfallininfrastructurerelatingtohealth,

agedcare,housing,employment,educationand

training,familyandchildren’sservices.

ThePackagehasalsobeendesignedtoalign

witharangeofcurrentGovernmentpolicygoals

andframeworks.

• ‘ClosingtheGap’initiative–whichseeksto

resolvethedisparitybetweenthesocialand

economicwelfarelevelsofIndigenousand

non-IndigenousAustralians

Background Photo: Courtesy of Tourism Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 30

East Kimberley Development package continued

• CouncilofAustralianGovernments(COAG)

NationalPartnershipsinthekeyreformareasof:

IndigenousHealth;Housing;EarlyChildhood

DevelopmentandEconomicParticipation,as

wellastheNationalPartnershiponRemote

ServiceDelivery

• theGovernment’s$4.7billionand$42billion

‘NationBuilding’planstosupportjobs,families

andbusinessesduringthecurrentglobal

economicdownturn.Theplanswereannounced

bythePrimeMinister,HonKevinRuddMP,in

December2008andFebruary2009

• thedevelopmentandimplementationofCOAG’s

NationalSocialInclusionagenda

• theGovernment’scommitmenttotheprotection

andconservationofAustralia’sunique

environmentalassets,particularlythefragile

landscapesoftheKimberleyregion

• theGovernment’ssharedcommitmentwith

theWesternAustralianGovernmenttonational

waterpolicyreform,includingtheNational

WaterInitiative.

TheCommonwealth’sinvestmentproposalshave

beendevelopedtotargetprioritycommunity

needsintheareasofhealth,education,housing

andaccommodation,transportandcommunity

infrastructure.

AsummaryoftheEastKimberleyDevelopment

Packageisprovidedintable3.

Project $ million

Health $50 miLLioN

Wyndham health facilities refurbishment 3.4

kununurra hospital expansion 20.0

Short stay patient accommodation in kununurra 4.0

residential rehabilitation facility in Wyndham 3.2

remote aged care services in kalumbaru and Warmun 5.0

remote clinics in kalumbaru and Warmun 2.0

environmental health measures in kalumbaru, Warmun and oombulgurri 6.8

Sobering Up Centres in kununurra and Wyndham 0.6

health service providers housing in kununurra 5.0

Education and Training $64 million

Wyndham early learning activities Centre 1.6

Warmun early learning Centre 0.6

kununurra primary School 25.0

kununurra district high School upgrade 15.0

kununurra School Community library expansion 5.0

east kimberley teacher training Facility within kununurra high School 3.5

kimberley taFe upgrade in kununurra and Wyndham 10.0

Community meeting rooms in kununurra, kalumbaru, oombulgurri and dawul 2.3

early Childhood building for Jundranung Community 1.0

Housing $50 million

Social housing in kununurra and Wyndham 30.0

transition housing in kununurra and other locations 20.0

Transport $15 million

Wyndham port facility upgrade 10.0

kununurra airport upgrade 5.4

Community $16 million

Community sporting facilities in kununurra and Wyndham 4.2

Waringarri art Centre in kununurra 1.6

Wyndham picture Gardens 0.3

Wyndham Community Jetty 5.0

MG Corporation – Gelganyem trust shared facility in kununurra 4.5

Total 195.0

Table 3: East Kimberley Development Package summary


Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project | Page 5

EasT KiMBERlEy REGion

For the purposes of the joint assessment

and commonwealth investments, the east

Kimberley region was defined as the region

centred on the towns of Kununurra and

wyndham, adjacent to the ord river

irrigation area.

SomeEastKimberleycommunities,suchas

Kalumburu,OombulgurriandWarmun,have

strongculturalandeconomictiestoKununurra

andWyndham.Whereappropriate,investmentsin

thesecommunitieswerealsoconsideredinthejoint

assessmentprocess.

$64.0 million in

infrastructure investments

will contribute to improving

early education, schooling

and training outcomes.


HEalTH infRasTRuCTuRE

the east Kimberley health infrastructure

Package will deliver a total investment of

$50 million in improved health outcomes

in the east Kimberley region. health needs

in the east Kimberley region are complex

and interrelated with social wellbeing,

employment, housing, education and training,

welfare status and the availability and quality

of community services.

Chronicandpreventablediseasesaretheareas

requiringthegreatestaction.Healthprovidersin

theregionhaveidentifiedrenaldialysisastheir

highestpriority,withpatientsforcedtoleavetheir

communitieslong-termfortreatmentinBroome

orPerth.TheHealthandHospitalsFundKimberley

RenalServicesProject,announcedaspartofthe

2009-10FederalBudget,includescapitalfunding

toestablishafourstationrenaldialysisunitin

Kununurra($3.4million).

Alcoholandsubstanceabuseisalsoamajorhealth

andsocialissueintheregion.Otherinvestment

prioritiesincludeprimaryandpreventativehealth

care,drugandalcoholservices,short-termpatient

accommodation,housingforhealthservice

providers,improvementstoremoteclinics,agedcare

facilitiesandenvironmentalhealthmeasures.

TheHealthInfrastructureInvestmentPackage

includesthreeprimaryhealthcareprojectsfor

servicesinKalumburu,WarmunandOombulgurri.

Theseremotecommunitieshavestrongeconomic

andculturallinkstoKununurraandWyndham.

Improvingprimaryandpreventativehealthcare

servicesintheseareaswillreducetheincidenceof

chronicandacuteillnessinthecommunityaswell

asreducethepressureonacutehealthservicesin

KununurraandWyndham.

Redevelopment of Wyndham Health facilities -

$3.4 million

Theredevelopmentofhealthfacilitiesassociated

withtheexistingWyndhamhospitalcampuswill

enhanceaccesstoprimaryhealthcare,residential

agedcareandnewstaffaccommodation.Thenew

facilitieswillbecomplementedbytheconstruction

ofnewstaffaccommodationtoassistinthe

attractionandretentionofqualifiedhealth

professionalstoensurethisprogramofworkcanbe

undertaken.

Project Leader: Western Australian Government.

Kununurra Hospital Expansion - $20.0 million

Constructionofacomprehensiveandintegrated

primaryhealthcarecentrefortheKununurraarea

andsurroundingcommunities.Thisprojectincludes

increasingthebuildingfootprintofKununurra

Hospitalbyapproximately2000m2toexpand

primaryhealthandgeneralpracticeservices,



includingchildandmaternalhealth,chronicdisease

preventionandmanagement,healthpromotionand

communitymentalhealth,andclinicaleducationand

trainingfacilities.


short stay patient accommodation - $4.0 million

Constructionofshortstayaccommodationforup

to16patientsinKununurra.Thetypeofpatients

expectedtobeaccommodatedincludethosewho

arereceivingrenal,oncology,cardiology,obstetric,

gynaecologyandpaediatricservices.Theproject

willprovidepatientswithasafeandwelcoming

placetostaywhencomingtoKununurraformedical

treatment.


Residential rehabilitation facility - $3.2 million

Expansionoftheresidentialrehabilitationservice

facilityinWyndham,operatedbyNgnowarAerwah

AboriginalCorporation.Thefacilityupgradewill

allowtheservicetobegintreatingfamiliesasa

whole.Thisprojectwillalsoconstructa

DetoxificationCentre,TrainingPreparationUnit,

acrècheandrecreationalfacilities,on-sitestaff

accommodationandpavingforroadsandpathways.


Remote aged care services - $5.0 million

Refurbishmentorreplacementofagedcareservice

facilitiesinremotelocations.Kalumbururequires

extensiveworktorebuildaHomeandCommunity

CareCentreandWarmun’sagedcareunitsrequire

refurbishment.


Remote clinics - $2.0 million

Refurbishmentorreplacementoftheremoteclinicin

Warmunandconstructionofstaffaccommodation

attheremoteclinicinKalumburu.Theavailability

offit-for-purposeclinicsinremotelocationsis

necessarytoachieveNationalandStateprioritiesfor

Indigenoushealth,whichfocusonclosingthegapin

Indigenousdisadvantage.Staffhousingiscrucialfor

thesmoothoperationofremoteclinics.


Environmental health measures - $6.8 million

Improvementstodustcontrolmeasures(road

sealing),incinerators,andfencingsewerageponds

andrubbishtipsinthecommunitiesofWarmun,

Kalumburu,Oombulgurri,andsmallercommunities

andoutstationssurroundingKununurra.In

developingthisinitiative,considerationwillbegiven

todevelopingalocalserviceprovidermodelsimilar

tothatbeingusedintheWestKimberley.


sobering up Centres - $0.6 million

RefurbishmentofSoberingUpCentres(SUCs)in

KununurraandWyndham.ThemajorityofSUC

clientsareAboriginalandtheSUCsoperateto

reduceAboriginaldeaths.Thealcoholbansand

restrictionsacrosstheKimberleywillensurea

continuingdemandandfocusontheprovisionof

thesesupportservices.


Health service provider housing - $5.0 million

ConstructionofhousesinKununurraforWestern

AustralianCountryHealthServiceemployeesand

employeesofgovernment-fundedhealthservice

providerstoassistwiththeongoingdeliveryofnew

healthservicesprovidedthroughtheEastKimberley

DevelopmentPackage.Amixtureofhousingwill

beconstructed,includingfree-standinghouses,

townhousesandapartments.



EDuCaTion anD TRaininG

infRasTRuCTuRE

the education and training infrastructure

investment Package will deliver a total

investment of $64.0 million in infrastructure

that will contribute to improving the early

education, schooling and training outcomes

in the east Kimberley region. the package

focuses on the following key areas:

• Earlychildhooddevelopmentandeducation;

• Primaryandsecondaryschooling;

• Post-compulsoryfurthereducation;and

• Communitytrainingandmeetingfacilities.

Economicgrowth,employmentopportunitiesand

bettereducationoutcomesintheEastKimberley

dependontheprovisionofqualityearlylearning

services,schoolingandvocationaltrainingservices

andinfrastructure.Concertedactionintheareas

ofeducationandtrainingwillalsoimprovethe

socioeconomic,employmentstatusandworkforce

participationofIndigenouspeople.

EducationoutcomesinEastKimberleyRegion

schools,particularlyforIndigenousstudents,are

poor.Amajorimpedimenttobettereducationand

trainingoutcomesisthelowlevelofengagement

andattendanceatschool.Consultationswith

stakeholdershavehighlightedtheneedto

improvetheprovisionofearlyeducation,primary

andsecondaryschoolingandtrainingservices

infrastructure.

Thecreationofdistinctiveearlyyears,primaryand

secondaryschoolingservicesispartofa0–17

yearsapproach.Specificinvestmentsidentifiedas

prioritiesincludeaccesstoandimprovedquality

ofearlylearningfacilitiesinKununurra,Wyndham

andWarmun;thedevelopmentoftheprimary

andsecondaryschoolsontheKununurraDistrict

HighSchoolcampus;expansionoftheschool

andcommunitylibraryfacilities;teachertraining

facilities;improvedtradetrainingandTAFEfacilities,

andtheconstructionofcommunitymeetingroomsin

remotelocations.

TheexpansionoftheOrdirrigationschemeis

alsoexpectedtoincreasethepopulationinthe

EastKimberleyRegion,directlyimpactingon

theeffectivenessandcapabilityofearlylearning

services,schoolsandTAFE.

Wyndham Early learning activities Centre

- $1.6 million

RedevelopmentoftheWyndhamEarlyLearning

Activities(WELA)centre.ThecurrentWyndham

EarlyLearningCentreisinadequateandacentre

willbeestablishedtopromotebestlearning

outcomesforyoungchildrenandtheirfamiliesin

thecommunity.


Warmum Early learning Centre - $0.6 million

Constructionofanewtransportablebuildingforuse

bytheWarmunEarlyLearningCentre,toreplacean

existingoldbuildinginneedofrepair.Thisistheonly

childcareserviceinthecommunity.Warmunhas

strongeconomicandculturallinkstotheKununurra

community.

Project Leader: Australian Government, through a

funding agreement with the service provider.

Kununurra Primary school - $25.0 million

Constructionofadedicatedanddistinctiveprimary

schoolserviceontheKununurraDistrictHighSchool

site.ThenewPrimarySchoolwillremainonthesame

sitebutwillprovideadistinctiveserviceforprimary

agechildrenaspartofthe0–17yearsconcept.


Kununurra District High school upgrade

- $15.0 million

TheupgradeandrefurbishishmentofSecondary

SchoolfacilitiesattheKununurraHighSchool.The

expansionandrefurbishmentoftheSecondary

SchoolwillalsosupportthedevelopmentofTrade

TrainingandTAFErecognisedcoursesattheHigh

School.Educationoutcomeswillbeimprovedby

upgradingandfullyintegratingearlylearning,

PrimaryandSecondaryfacilities.




Kununurra school Community library expansion

- $5.0 million

Theexpansionand/orrelocationoftheexisting

sharedcommunitylibrarylocatedontheKununurra

HighSchoolprecinct,toaccommodatetheincreased

schoolandcommunitypopulation.Awellequipped

communitylibraryandmeetingplacewillprovide

bothaschoolingandcommunitywideresourceto

engagewithstudent,familyandparentalliteracy.

TheLibrarywillalsoprovideaccesstoInternet-based

informationandskills.


East Kimberley teacher training facility

- $3.5 million

Developmentofateachertrainingfacilitytobe

integratedwithintheKununurraHighSchool

precinct.Thefacilitywillprovidespecialised,

culturallyappropriatetrainingtostudentteachers

andservicesfornewandexistingKimberley

teachers.Thefacilitywillalsoprovidetrainingtools

tosupportthedevelopmentofteachertraining.


Kimberley TafE upgrade - $10.0 million

ConstructionofnewfacilitiesatboththeKununurra

andWyndhamTAFEcampuses,includingspecific

tradetrainingandgeneralpurposeclassrooms.Prior

tofinalisingthedesignofnewfacilities,ananalysis

ofcurrentandanticipatedlabourmarketneeds

willbeundertakentoensuretheproposedtraining

facilitieswillmeettheneedsoflocalemployeesand

provideforaneffectivetransitionfromtraininginto

employment.Thedevelopmentispartofthelong

termmasterplanfortheKununurraTAFECampusto

accommodatecommunityandindustrygrowth.


Community meeting rooms - $2.3 million

Constructionofculturallyappropriatecommunity

meetingroomsinKununurraandthecommunities

ofKalumburu,OombulgurriandDawul.Thisproject

willprovideasafeandinvitingenvironmentand

allowlocalstomaintain/reconnectwithlearning.The

developmentofmeetingplaceswillgreatlyincrease

thelikelihoodofcommunitiesbeingabletodevelop

activitiestoprovideadultlearninginareassuchas

health,cookingandinformationandtechnology.


Early Childhood Building for Jundranung

community - $1.0 million

Developmentofapurpose-builtearlychildhood

educationfacilityalongwithacommunitymeeting

roomintheremoteJundranungcommunity.The

currentfacilitiesarenotsatisfactoryanddonotmeet

thecommunity’sneeds.Improvingandincreasing

accesstocommunityactivitiesisalsoanecessary

steptosecuringsatisfactorycommunitybuilding,

economic,employmentandeducationaloutcomes.




HousinG infRasTRuCTuRE

the housing infrastructure investment


$50 million for improved housing outcomes

in the east Kimberley region. Serious housing

shortages in Kununurra have created issues

of housing availability and affordability for

the town’s residents with extreme rental

prices beyond the means of many people,

particularly members of the indigenous

community.

Overcrowding,homelessness,poorhousing

conditionsandseverehousingshortagesare

significantissuesforIndigenouscommunitiesin

theregion.Inaddition,therearelargewaitinglists

forpublichousingandthedifficultyinfinding

housinginKununurraorothercentreshascreated

disincentivesforpeopletotakeupandretain

employmentopportunities.

ImprovedhousingoutcomesforIndigenouspeople

willprovidethefoundationforlastingimprovements

inlivingstandards,socialandeconomicwellbeing

andaccesstolifeopportunities,suchasemployment

andeducation.Transitionaccommodationisalso

neededtosupportIndigenouspeople’stransitionto

fullemploymentbycreatingaclear,affordableand

viablepathwaytomovefromwelfaretoaworking

future.

TheAustralianGovernment,throughvarious

NationalPartnershipagreementsonHousing,is

alreadymakingasignificantinvestmentintheEast

KimberleyRegionbyprovidingmoresocialand

Indigenoushousing,particularlyforIndigenous

people.TheCommonwealth’sinvestmentinsocial

andtransitionhousingunderthisPackagewill

complementtheseinitiatives.

Theprovisionofqualitystaffhousingisidentifiedby

alllevelsofGovernmentandthenon-government

sectorascriticalintheattractionandretention

ofstaff,andtheeffectivedeliveryofservicesto

peopleinregionalandremoteareas.Staffhousing

investmentsintheregionwillbedeliveredthrough

separateinitiativesbyboththeCommonwealthand

WesternAustralianGovernments.

social housing - $30.0 million

Constructionofadditionalsocialhousingin

KununurraandWyndhamforpeoplemeetingincome

testrequirementsonthesamebasisasexistingsocial

housing.Thisprojectwillincreasethestockofpublic

housinginKununurraandWyndhamandassistin

reducinghousingstressonIndigenousresidents

ofthetowns.ThiswillimproveIndigenoushealth

andeducationoutcomes,andreduceIndigenous

disadvantage.


Transition housing - $20.0 million

ConstructionofhousingforIndigenouspeople

toprovideassistanceandreducedisincentivesas

theyentertheworkforce.Theprojectwillinvolvea

mixofhousingtypesandwillprovidetransitional

accommodationforpeopleenteringemployment,as

analternativetosocialhousing.TheAustralianand

WesternAustralianGovernmentswillworktogether

todevelopflexiblearrangementstooptimise

IndigenousemploymentandIndigenousbusiness

outcomesfromtheproject.



TRansPoRT infRasTRuCTuRE

the transport infrastructure investment

Package will deliver a total investment

of $15 million to promote the long-term

economic prosperity of the region, which is

heavily reliant on the quality of its transport

infrastructure base. in consultations,

stakeholders stressed that effective transport

infrastructure is critical to the commercial

viability of many industries, not least of all

agricultural production, as well as being

critical to the social wellbeing and liveability

of the region.

TheEastKimberleyRegionisoneofthemost

remoteareasofWesternAustraliawiththelargest

town,Kununurra,located800kilometresfrom

Darwinand1,000kilometresfromBroome.With

asmall,widelydispersedpopulation,effective

transportinfrastructureiscriticaltotheeconomic

developmentoftheregion.Hightransportcosts

alreadyimpactonthecommercialviabilityofa

rangeofindustries.TheexpansionoftheOrdRiver

irrigationareaisexpectedtoincreasethedemands

beingplacedonexistingtransportinfrastructure.

TheCommonwealthhaspreviouslyprovidedfunding

forpreliminaryscopingworkontheKununurraHeavy

VehicleRoute,alsocalledtheKununurraBypass.

Planninganddesignworkandlandacquisitionfor

thewesternlegofthebypasswillcontinuethrough

toDecember2009.WhileaKununurrabypassis

beyondthescopeofthisPackageintermsofcost

andexpectedtimingofdelivery,futurefundingcould

besoughtthroughtheNationBuildingprogram.

Wyndham Port facility upgrade - $10.0 million

UpgradeoftheWyndhamPorttoimprovethe

efficiencyandcapacityoftheexistingPortthrough

theconstructionofbetterstoragefacilities,improved

accessandupgradestomaintenancebuildings,

andrepairstotheexistingjettystructure.ThePort

isacriticaltransporthubfortheEastKimberley

Region,andaprimarypointofaccessforarange

ofcommoditiesincludingfueloil,fertilizerand

ammoniumnitrate.


Kununurra airport upgrade - $5.4 million

Refurbishmentoftheairportterminaltomeet

securityandservicerequirementsassociatedwith

growingpassengernumbers,andtheconstructionof

aseparatepatienttransferfacilityonlanddonated

bytheShireCouncilandoperatedbyStJohn

Ambulance.TheShireCouncilwillcontribute

$1milliontotheinitialinfrastructureupgrades

andwillberesponsibleforoperatingexpenses.

Project Leader: Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley.



CoMMuniTy infRasTRuCTuRE

the community infrastructure investment


$16 million to help develop and maintain a

healthy, active and strong society. community

infrastructure plays a vital role in enabling

people to participate in society and

address feelings of isolation within the east

Kimberley community.

Qualitycommunityinfrastructureiscriticalto

improvingsocialinclusion,liveabilityandeconomic

growth.ThelocalIndigenouspeopleoftheEast

KimberleyRegionarealreadydisproportionately

disadvantagedandhavepoorlevelsofhealth,social

andeconomicwellbeing.Byinvestingincommunity

infrastructureandservices,socialdisadvantagewill

beaddressed,helpingtostrengthencommunitiesby

strengtheningfamilyandcommunitynetworks,and

buildinga‘senseofplace’withinthecommunity.

TheEastKimberleyRegionalsosupportsavibrant

anddynamicIndigenousartssectorthatplaysavital

roleinthesocialandculturallifeofthecommunity

andattractsnationalandinternationalinterestto

theregion.

Community sporting facilities - $4.2 million

UpgradeofthesportingovalinKununurraadjacent

tothenew42bedIndigenoushostel,andthe

upgradeoftheWyndhamSwimmingPoolby

updatingtheageingfiltrationsystemandpipework.

Giventheharshenvironmentinthenorth,community

facilitiessuchassportingfacilitiesandthepoolare

vitaltocommunitywellbeingandengagement.


Waringarri art Centre - $1.6 million

ExpansionoftheexistingWaringarriAboriginal

ArtCentreinKununurra.Theprojectwillinclude

upgradestothestudio,workshop,office,

gallery,storagespaceandbuildingsecurity.

Staffaccommodationisalsorequiredtoensure

appropriaterecruitmentandretentionofstaff,

aswellasfacilitiestosupportactivityinoutlying

communitieswithwhichWaringarriworks,such

asKalumburu.

Project Leader: Waringarri Arts Aboriginal

Corporation.

Wyndham Picture Gardens - $0.3 million

Upgradetotheseatingandprojectionsystemat

thehistoricWyndhamPictureGardenstoallowthe

outdoorfacilitytobecomefullyoperationalagain.

SavetheChildren(Australia)hasprovided12months

fundingtocoverthecostsofobtaining

filmsaspartoftheirsupportforyouthandchildren

inWyndham.


Wyndham Community Jetty - $5.0 million

Constructionofacommunityjettyadjacentto

theexistingWyndhamPortfacilitiesatAnton’s

Landingtofacilitatesafeaccesstodeepwaterfor

recreationalfishing,particularlyforlocalIndigenous

people.ConsultationwiththeWyndhamcommunity

andtheWesternAustralianGovernmentwillbe

undertakentodeterminethemostappropriate

designtomeetcommunityneeds,withinthe

availablebudget.


MG Corp-Gelganyem Trust shared

facilities - $4.5 million

Thedesignandconstructionofsharedofficefacilities

forupto30stafffortheGelganyemTrustandMG

CorporationinKununurra.Thefacilitywillbebuilt

onlandprovidedatnocostbytheMGCorporation

andwouldbesharedbytheGelganyemTrustand

MGCorporation.BothIndigenousorganisationsare

charitableorganisationsestablishedtorepresentthe

Miriuwung,GajerrongandGidjapeopleoftheEast

KimberleyRegion.

Project Leader: Western Australian Government,

in partnership with MG Corporation and

Gelganyem Trust.


Concepts for future development of agricultural land in the East Kimberley

beyond the immediate development of

8,000 hectares of the weaber Plains and the

potential 6,680 hectares of the ord west

bank, Packsaddle and mantinea, there are

opportunities to expand the precinct. these

include the remainder of the Stage 2 m2 area

into the Knox creek, Keep river and the

broader region locally called the cockatoo

Sands (Figure 14). the timeframe for the

development of these areas is likely to

be in a longer term planning horizon,

particularly for the cockatoo Sands areas

where little baseline information is available

and native title and heritage matters are yet

to be addressed.

Knox Creek area

Afuturelandpackageofapproximately8,000

hectaresisbeingconsideredfortheremainderofthe

landonWeaberPlainsinconjunctionwithlandinthe

KnoxCreekarea.

ThisareaiscollectivelyreferredtoastheKnoxCreek

Area.Thereleaseofthisareaisdependentonthe

assessmentoftheimplicationsofleadandsilver

miningtenements,whicharelocatedonthesouth

easternpartofWeaberPlainsatSorbyHills.Should

aSorbyHillsminebecomeoperational,theland

couldberehabilitatedandmadesuitablefor

agricultureoncetheorehasbeenexhausted.

Sufficientwatertosupplythisareaisavailablefrom

theadditional400GL/annumavailablefordiversion

fromtheOrdRiverbetweenLakeKununurrato

TarraraBar.

northern Territory (Keep River)

Thereremainspotentialfortheirrigationschemeto

extendintotheNorthernTerritory.Throughboth

Ministerialandofficerlevelengagement,the

NorthernTerritoryGovernmentremainsfully

informedofcurrentandfutureplansfortheEast

KimberleyRegion.

Potentially14,000hectaresoftheKeepRiverPlains

couldbedevelopedontheNorthernTerritoryside

oftheborder.

Watertosupplythisareaisincludedintheadditional

400GL/annumavailablefordiversionfromtheOrd

RiverbetweenLakeKununurratoTarraraBar.

VICTORIA

HIGHWAY

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VICTORIA

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Ord

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Wyndham

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NO

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OR

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ROADGIBB RIVER

PARRY

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GEOCENTRIC DATUM OF AUSTRALIA

W.A. Cadastral Data and Aboriginal LivingAreas supplied by Department of Land

Administration, W.A.

ROAD

Kununurra

NEWRY PL

EL QUESTRO PL

DOON DOON PL

10 15 200kilometres

N

WeaberPlains

Northern Territory(Keep River)

KnoxCreek

Figure 14: The Stage 2 M2 Area


Concepts for future development of agricultural land in the East Kimberley continued

TheWesternAustralianGovernmentwillwork

collaborativelywiththeNorthernTerritory

GovernmentandtheAustralianGovernmentto

ensureacoordinatedapproachtofuture

developmentsinnorthernAustralia.

Cockatoo sands

TheCockatooSandscompriseareasoflight

sandytypesoilsthathavepotentialforirrigated

agriculturewhichwouldcomplementthemore

traditionalclays,providingdifferentcropoptions.

ThereareareasoftheCockatooSandssurrounding

theOrdRiverirrigationarea;howeverwhatis

availabletouseforagriculturepurposesisunclear

becausesomeofthesoilcharacteristicsandslope

ofthelandscapemaymakeitunsuitablefor

agriculturepurposes.

TheDepartmentofAgricultureandFoodhasbeen

allocated$154,000toassesstheCockatooSands

andadetailedsoilanalysisreportwillbeavailableby

October2009.Thesesoilsurveyswillidentifyareas

suitableforagriculture.Thisadditionallandwould

providetheOrdRiverirrigationareawithascale

largeenoughforagriculturalproductiontoattract

sufficientinvestmenttoenableanindustrytobe

sustainable.Negotiationonnativetitleandheritage

issueswillberequiredandthesepotentialareasare

notthesubjectofcurrentstatutoryapprovalssoare

unlikelytobeavailableinthemediumterm.

Itisalsoessentialtoconsidertheimplicationsin

relationtowateravailability.Currentlythereis

865GL/annumofwaterallocatedfortheirrigation

areaintheEastKimberleyRegion.However,ifthefull

allocationisnotuseditcouldpotentiallybe

redirectedtotheCockatooSandsareas,subjectto

otherapprovalsandlandrelease.

TheOrdIrrigationExpansionProjectwillovercome

someofthecurrentlimitationsfacingtheagricultural

sector.Ongoingresearchforcroppingonsoiltypes

otherthanclaywillensuretheOrdRiverirrigation

areacontinuestogrowasanirrigatedtropical

agriculturalareaadoptingworld’sbestpracticein

farmingsystemsanddevelopingnewcrop

opportunities.


Appendix 1 – Stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities

this significant project will engage a diverse

range of stakeholders who are actively

engaged in the delivery of project outcomes

or are key beneficiaries of the project. these

stakeholders and their roles and

responsibilities are outlined in the following

table. memoranda of understanding have been

negotiated with several State government

departments and the process of further

refining responsibilities and timetables is

being facilitated through the ministerial

council and Steering committee.

government Stakeholders role

DepartmentofRegional

DevelopmentandLands(RDL)

DepartmentofRegional

DevelopmentandLands

(StateLandServices)

RDListheleadprojectagencyandhascarriageoftheagriculturalinfrastructureexpansionproject.Morespecifically,theOrd-EastKimberley

DevelopmentPlanofficehasresponsibilityfortheoverallco-ordinationofindividualagencyandinteragencyworks,includingdefinitionofscope,

deliverableschedules,funding,reportingandcommunicationswiththecommunity.Aprojectteamhasbeenestablishedtomanagethedevelopment,

includingsupportingtheOrd-EastKimberleyDevelopmentPlanMinisterialCouncilandSteeringCommittee,implementationoftheAboriginal

DevelopmentPackageandtoliaisewiththeCommunityReferenceGroups.ThesefunctionswillfallundertheresponsibilitiesoftheOrdKununurraoffice.

RDLisalsoresponsibleforthemanagementofunallocatedCrownland(UCL)throughouttheStateandprovideslandtenureexpertisethatwillsupportthe

Ord-EastKimberleyDevelopmentPlan.RDLalsohasresponsibilityforthetimelyreleaseofUCLforagriculture,industrial,commercialandresidentialuses

inaccordancewiththeOrdFinalAgreement.RDLmanagestheUCLonbehalfoftheStateofWAandanydevelopmentonUCLrequirestheapprovalof

RDL.InrecentyearsRDLhasapprovedtheconversionofUCLtofreehold,leaseholdandreservelandforresidential,industrial,commercialandcommunity

usestosupportthegrowthofKununurraandsurroundingareas.

DepartmentofState

Development(DSD)

DSDcoordinatesAustralianGovernmentengagement,includingsocialinfrastructureliaisonandworkwiththeprojectteamandLandCorptofacilitate

therelevantFederalapprovals.DSDalsoworkswithrelevantagencieswithrespecttoimplementationissuesassociatedwiththeinfrastructurepackage.

LandCorp LandCorpisdeterminingthedesignofthesubdivisionandlotsizesandacquiringtherelevantState,localandFederalapprovals.Itprojectmanagesto

facilitatethelandreleaseandsupportsamarketingprogram.LandCorpisalsoresponsibleforcoordinatingtheconstructionoftheirrigation,roadsand

otherinfrastructureintheWeaberPlains.

WaterCorporation TheWaterCorporationcurrentlymaintainstheexistingM1channel.TheWaterCorporationisalsothelicensedproviderofwaterservicestothetown

ofKununurra,andtotheOrdIrrigationCo-operativeandindustryandhasresponsibilityforthemanagementoftheOrdRiverDamandtheKununurra

DiversionDam.

MainRoadsWesternAustralia

(MRWA)

MRWAisresponsibleforprovidingsupportinthedeliveryofroadworkstoandwithintheWeaberPlainssubdivisionarea,includingsourcingraw

materials.

DepartmentofEnvironmentand

Conservation(DEC)

DECprovidesadviceonactivitiesonlandadjoiningexistingorproposednaturereservesorconservationzones,includingpromotionofthereservation

ofthePacksaddleSwampandCarrBoydRangesforconservationpurposes;facilitationofthemanagementoftheimpactofnativeanimalson

horticulturalcrops;researchonthecultivationoftropicaltreecrops;provisionofadviceonthegrowingoftreecrops,suchassandalwoodand

assistancewiththeassessmentofactualandpotentialenvironmentalweedspecies.DECmustalsoapprovetheintentiontoclearlandareasinexcessof

onehectare.

DepartmentofAgriculture

andFoodWesternAustralia

(DAFWA)

DAFundertakesresearchprojectsattheFrankWiseInstituteintheareasofhorticulture,fieldcrops,intensivebeefproductionandnewindustries

includingcotton,sugarandprocessingtomatoes.Sustainabilityissuesarealsoaddressedandotherservicesareprovidedtoaddressagricultural

protectionandquarantineissues.

OfficeofNativeTitle(ONT) TheOfficeofNativeTitleisresponsibleforthenegotiationoftheAboriginalDevelopmentPackage.


Appendix 1 – Stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities continued

government Stakeholders role

KimberleyDevelopmentCommission(KDC) TheKDCprovidesanintegralcomponentofa‘whole-of-Government’approachtotherequirementsofregionaldevelopment.Itassistsinthecoordinationofresponsibilitiesofawiderangeofagencieshaving

impactonregionaldevelopment,andperformsaroleinidentifyingneedsandensuringarationalisedandappropriateapplicationofGovernmentresourcestotheregion.

DepartmentofWater(DoW) DoWistheState’swatermanager.ThedepartmenthasdeterminedtheamountofwateravailableintheOrdRiverandmanagesitsusethroughlicensing.DoWalsohasthreeimportantdeliverableswithinthe

OrdIrrigationExpansionProject.Theseinclude:selectingthewaterserviceprovider,establishingthewaterpricingarrangementsforthenewirrigationservicesandissuinglicensedwaterallocationstothe

providerand/orusers.DoWwillalsoprovideadviceandguidanceonotheraspectsoftheproject,suchaslanddrainageandmeteringrequirements.

DepartmentofFisheries TheDepartmentofFisherieswillassignaccesstoaquaticbiologicalresourcesinaccordancewithcommunitypriorities.Fisherieswillrevisetheexistingcommercialandrecreationalfishingmanagement

strategyfortheOrdRiverwiththegoalofthestrategybeingtomaintainthehighqualityrecreationalfishingandaquaticecotourismindustrycurrentlyfoundintheOrdRiver.

EnvironmentalProtectionAuthority(EPA) TheEPAwillprovideEnvironmentalProtectionActadviceinrelationtoMinisterialconditionsandcommitmentsfortheexistingStage2M2approval.

TheEPAwillreviewthedraftwaterallocationplanproducedbytheDepartmentofWaterandmayassessotherlanddevelopmentproposalswhichmayhaveasignificanteffectontheenvironment,including

theextensionsproposedintheproject.

DepartmentofEducationandTraining TheDepartmentofEducationandTrainingisresponsiblefortheconstructionofhealthfacilitiesandprovisionofeducationandtrainingservicesintheregion.

WesternAustralianPlanningCommission

(WAPC)

TheWAPCisresponsibleforgrantingsubdivision,development,stratatitle,leaseandlicenceapprovals.Alllandre-zoningmustbeapprovedbytheWAPC.WithspecificreferencetoOrdRiverIrrigationArea

(ORIA)Stage1,CommissionapprovalwouldberequiredforanyzoningofvacantCrownlandorexcisionsfrompastoralleasetofacilitateexpansionofirrigatedagriculturalactivities.

DepartmentofPlanning TheDepartmentofPlanningispreparingaKununurra–WyndhamAreaDevelopmentStrategy,whichencompassesthenorth-easternpartoftheShireofWyndhamEastKimberley,andincludesORIAStage1

andORIAStage2M2.

ShireofWyndhamEastKimberley(SWEK) SWEKcontrolstheplanninganddevelopmentofKununurraanditssurroundings.BuildingandlanduseswithintheprojectarearequiredevelopmentconsentfromSWEK.Whilstitdoesnothavea

managementroleoncelandusesareapproved,SWEKensuresthatongoingcompliancemonitoringtakesplace.

OfficeofNorthernAustralia(ONA) ONA,withtheWesternAustralianGovernment,conductedtheEastKimberleyDevelopmentPackageJointAssessment.ONAadministersthe$195millionCommonwealthinvestmentintheEastKimberley.

industry Stakeholders role

OrdRiverDistrictCo-operative TheOrdRiverDistrictCo-operativeprovidessupplies,processing,marketingandsupportservicesforadiverserangeofcropsandagriculturalactivities.

PacificHydro AstheownerandoperatoroftheOrdHydroPowerStation,PacificHydrogeneratestheelectricitysupplyforKununurraandWyndhamandsurroundingagriculturalareas.Accesstoaguaranteedlevelof

wateriscriticaltogeneratingareliablesupplyofelectricityintheEastKimberleyRegion.

OrdIrrigationCo-operative TheOrdIrrigationCo-operativeoperatestheexistingirrigationsystemonbehalfoftheassetowners,theWaterCorporation(M1deliverychannel)andtheOrdIrrigationAssetMutualCo-operative(remaining

irrigationassets).

community Stakeholders role

MGCorporation CustodiansofnativetitlefundsundertheOrdFinalAgreementandkeynegotiatingparticipantintheAboriginalDevelopmentPackageandrecipientoflandgrantsundertheproject.

CommunityReferenceGroup

WeaberPlainsTaskGroup

SocialInfrastructureTaskGroup

OrdWestBank,Mantinea,PacksaddleTaskGroup

Advisesgovernmentonthepreciseneedsofthecommunitytosupporttherealisationoftheprojectobjectives.


Appendix 2 – Agricultural production in the Ord

a short history of the ord River irrigation area

TheGovernmentofWesternAustralia’sinterestin

thedevelopmentofAustralia’sNorthWestistraced

totheexplorationoftheFitzroyandOrdValleysby

AlexanderForrestinthe1870s.Inareportofthis

expeditiontotheWesternAustralianParliament,

Forrestconcludedthatanareaof25million

acreswassuitableforpastoralandagricultural

experiments.Theareawasquicklysurveyedand

apastoralindustryintheEastKimberleywas

establishedsoonafterwards.In1939theEast

KimberleyRegionwasidentifiedassuitablefor

irrigatedagriculture.

In1941,apartyofengineersandscientistsexplored

theareaanddeterminedthattheOrdRivercould

bedammedatseveralsitesbetween100and150

kilometresfromWyndham.Thisdamcouldbeused

toirrigatealargefertileplain.Laterthesameyear

anagriculturalresearchstation,approximatelyfive

hectaresinsize,wasestablishedintheareabythe

WesternAustralianGovernment.Overthenext

fouryears,theWesternAustralianGovernment

conductedmoredetailedinvestigationsofdamsites,

accessroads,soiltypesandtopography.

Theseinvestigationsestablishedthat22,000

hectaresofpotentiallyirrigablesoilscouldbe

commandedandthatafurther50,000hectares

wasavailableiftheareawasextendedintothe

NorthernTerritory.

By1958,theresearchstationhadproventhatit

wasfeasibletobuildadamtostoreenoughwater

toirrigatetheestimated72,000hectaresof

irrigablesoilsinWesternAustraliaandtheNorthern

Territory.Ithadalsodemonstratedthatcotton,rice,

safflower,linseedandsugarcanewouldgrowwell

underirrigation.

In1959theAustralianGovernmentcommittedto

theirrigationoftheOrdregionbyconstructingthe

KununurraDiversionDam,areticulationanddrainage

systemandthedevelopmentofapproximately

12,000hectaresofirrigableland.Thiswasthelimit

oflandwhichcouldbesuppliedwithwaterfromthe

diversiondam.Kununurra,anewregionalcentre,

hadalsobeenestablishedintheEastKimberleyto

servicetheagriculturaldevelopmentandthelocal

Indigenouscommunities.

Withthediversiondamoperatingatcapacity,

theAustralianGovernmentagreedtosupporta

secondstagewhichincludedtheconstructionofa

damontheOrdRiver,spillway,irrigationchannels

andinfrastructure.Workcommencedinearly1969

andinlate1971thedamwascompleteandLake

Argylewascreated.Thisneweststagewasofficially

openedbyPrimeMinisterWilliamMcMahonon30

June1972,withadditionalagriculturallandallocated

in1973.

In1974theAustralianGovernmentdeferredfunding

foranyfurtherexpansionofthearea.Bythis

time,approximately14,000hectaresofirrigated

agriculturallandhadalreadybeendelivered.

Inresponsetogrowingelectricitydemandin

theregionduringtheearly1990s,construction

commencedona30MWpowerstationatthe

OrdRiverDamin1995.Thestationbecamefully

operationalin1996andnowsuppliesrenewable

electricitytotheArgyleDiamondMineandthetowns

ofKununurraandWyndham.Theprojectinvolved

raisingthebaseofthespillwaysixmetrestoprovide

additionalstorageandwaterpressuretoincrease

electricityproduction.

Bythemid1990s,seriousconsiderationwasalso

beinggiventotheexpansionofagriculturallandnear

theOrdRiver.Ajointventureconsortiumcomprising

Wesfarmers,MarubeniandtheWaterCorporation

wasawardedthepreferreddeveloperstatusto

investigatethefeasibilityofaprojecttoexpand

thelandavailableforagriculture.Thisfeasibility

studyexamined33,000hectaresoflandonthe

Weaber,KnoxCreekandKeepRiverPlains,aswellas

additionallandadjoiningtheOrdRiver,includingOrd

WestBank,Mantineaandremainingportionsofthe

PacksaddlePlainnotpreviouslydeveloped.

In2001theWesfarmersandMarubeniconsortium

decidednottoproceedwiththeprojectduetofalling

sugarpricesanduncertaintyoverenvironmental,

nativetitle,waterandheritageissues.However,

whentheconsortiumwithdrew,theenvironmental

impactassessment(EIA)oftheirproposalwas

welladvanced.TheMinisterforStateDevelopment

acceptedcaretakerresponsibilityfortheproposalso

thattheEIAcouldbecommitted.Inearly2002the

EnvironmentalProtectionAuthority(EPA)approved

thedevelopmentoftheWeaberPlains,KnoxCreek

andKeepRiverM2areas(collectivelyknownas

theStage2M2area),subjecttocompletingplans

detailinghowpossibleimpactsofthedevelopment

weretobemanaged.


Appendix 2 – Agricultural production in the Ord continued

InDecember2003,afteralmost10yearsofcourt

casesandnegotiation,theMiriuwungandGajerrong

peoplereachedagreementaboutwherenativetitle

existedontheirtraditionalcountry.Thesenative

titlerightsarosefromtheMiriuwungandGajerrong

people’ssignificantconnectiontocountry.

FurthernegotiationsfollowedbeforetheWestern

AustralianGovernmentreachedanagreement,the

OrdFinalAgreement(OFA),withthetraditional

owners,theMiriuwungandGajerrongpeople,to

compulsorilyacquiretheirnativetitlerightsand

makewayfortheexpansionofirrigatedagriculture

(October,2005).TheOFAacknowledgedthat

previousdevelopmentssincethe1960’shadthe

effectofextinguishingnativetitlerightsand

interestsoftheMiriuwungandGajerrongpeople

andthattheMiriuwungandGajerrongpeoplehad

notbeencompensatedfortheextinguishment,nor

fortheothereffectsofthedevelopmentsonthem.

TheOFAwasameanstoaddresstheeffectsofthe

pastthatwouldallowtheMiriuwungandGajerrong

peopletosecureaneconomicbaseandtheability

toparticipateinthelocaleconomyandfuture

developments.

TheDepartmentofWatercompletedtheOrdRiver

waterallocationplaninDecember2006.Theplan

establishedasecureandreliablewaterallocation

tounderpinirrigationexpansioninthedistrict.

Wateravailableforirrigationwasmaximisedwhile

incorporatingthemodernstandardsrequiredfor

environmentalflows,andthelegalprovisionsof

currentpowersupplyagreements.

WithrenewedcommitmenttodevelopingtheEast

KimberleyRegion,in2008theWesternAustralian

GovernmentcommittedtobuildontheOrdFinal

Agreement,theEPAapprovalandtheOrdRiver

watermanagementplanandfundtheexpansionof

irrigationinfrastructureandrelease8,000hectares

ofWeaberPlainslandin2011.TheAustralian

GovernmentalsoagreedtopartnerwiththeState

Governmenttorealisethevisionofamajorregional

centreintheEastKimberley.

DepartmentofAgricultureandFoodstatistics

revealtheproductivepotentialoftheregion.Inthe

2007/08season,theOrdRiverIrrigationArea(ORIA)

producedinexcessof$95millioninproductionwith

horticulturalcropsandtropicalforestrycontributing

thelargestcomponents.Thevalueandquantity

ofirrigatedfarmactivityispoisedtoincrease

significantlywiththereleaseofthenewlandin2011.

Competitive advantages

AgricultureinKununurrahassomedistinctseasonal

advantages.Duetothewarmtropicalclimate,

summercropsareproducedduringthewinter

months.Thispresentsadistinctmarketadvantage

forsomehorticulturalcrops.Beinginthesouthern

hemisphere,theregionisalsocounter-seasonal

formanyofthetropicalcrops(citrusandfruits)

growninthelargerproductionareaofthenorthern

hemisphere.ThemaingrowingmonthsfromMayto

Septemberaremostlyrainfree,reducingtheriskof

raindamageandloweringdiseasepressures.

Theregionisrelativelyfreeofmajorpestsand

diseasesencounteredinotherpartsofAustralia

andtheworld,inparticularMediterraneanand

Queenslandfruitfly.Thisstatushaslongbeen

recognisedbylocalproducerswhohavebeen

instrumentalinhelpingtheDepartmentof

AgricultureandFooddeveloparegionalbiosecurity

plantoreducetheriskofincursions.

soil types

ThesoilsoftheStage2M2areaare30%Cununurra

claysand70%Aquitaineclays(seeFigure15,Soil

TypesoftheWeaberPlains).Bothsoiltypesare

commonintheM1areaandaresuccessfullycropped.

TheCununurraclaysoilsaremostlyneutraltomildly

alkaline.Theyaresuitableformostcropscurrently

grownintheM1area.Theyarenotsuitablefor

paddyriceproductionastheirporositycanleadto

unacceptableaccessiontothegroundwater.

TheAquitaineclayshavehigherclaycontentand

whiletheycanbeveryproductive,requirecareful

managementandirrigationpractice.Theyare

liabletosethardandbecomeblocky.Seedbed

preparationofteninvolvespre-irrigationtosoftenthe

soilstructure.Aquitainesinthenorthernpartofthe

WeaberPlainsareknowntohavehighsaltcontent

atdepthandirrigationmustbecarefullyplanned

topreventwaterseepageandsubsequent

watertableelevation.

Current agricultural practises

ThecurrentareaoftheORIAisapproximately14,000

hectaresofmostlyblackCununurraclaysunder

furrowirrigation.Therearesmallareasoflightersoils

andalsosomedripandsprinklerirrigation.


Soil map unit boundary

Unsealed road

over large areas of broad plains; minor inclusions ofCununurra wetter, darker and browner phases and somevariation in topsoil pH. Vegetation variable, but mostly open.

Red-brown earths with sandy topsoils (Bonaparte sandy-surfaced phase); occurs in association with land unit 2a as’islands’ in broad cracking clay pans; variable tall wood-land or open forest.

Red earths with sandy topsoils (Weaber normal phase);occurs as ’islands’ in broad cracking clay pans; eucalypt

Red earths with abundant gravel throughout (Weaber gravellyphase); occurs on raised, linear, old stream-bed areas;non arable; sources of gravel. Eucalypt woodland.

Cracking clays (Cununurra) in large depressions, variousnon-cracking soils (Bonaparte, Benton, Walyara) on largeintervening shelfs; occurs in association with other ’2’, ’3’and ’4’ land units within broad clay plains or adjoining stream frontage areas; depressions inundated seasonally;variable vegetation.

Cracking clays (Cununurra) in medium-sized depressions,various other soils (Keep, Benton) on medium-sized inter-vening shelfs and mounds; occurs in association with other’2’, ’3’ and ’4’ land units within broad clay plains oradjoining stream frontage areas; depressions inundatedseasonally; variable vegetation.

Brownish cracking clays with carbonate nodules and highpH topsoils (Keep normal phase, minor Cununurra) mainlyon gilgai mounds, other cracking clays (Cununurra) in somedepressions; occurs within broad clay plains, sometimes inassociation with other ’2’, ’3’ and ’4’ land units or adjoiningstream frontage areas; gilgai depressions inundated sea-sonally; usually treeless.

Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Cununurrawetter phase, Mottled clays) in depressions, cracking clayintergrades (Milligan) on broad shelfs; occurs in seasonallyswampy areas at the junction between broad clay plains andsandy or lateritic land systems, but only depressions are

Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes and high top-soil pH (Keep flooded phase); strongly gilgaied; occurs inseasonally swampy areas but only gilgai depressions areinundated; dense woodland.

Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Aquitaine’blueish’ phase, minor Keep flooded phase); occurs inbroad low-lying areas, usually where the clay plains adjoinsandy or lateritic land systems; seasonally inundated to

theca/Excoecaria parvifolia woodland.

As above, but vegetation dominated by species other than

Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Aquitaine’greyish’ phase); occurs in broad low-lying areas of theclay plains, often near land unit 5a; seasonally inundated to

As above, but vegetation dominated by species other thanEucalyptus microtheca and excoecaria parvifolia.

Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Aquitaine’blueish’ phase) with ’debil-debil’ micro-relief and inclusionsof stone and rock; occurs in depressed linear zones mar-ginal to land unit 5a and immediately adjacent to sandy orlateritic sand systems; seasonally inundated to significantdepths for long periods; treeless.

Cracking clays with reduced internal drainage capacity(Cununurra wetter phase); occurs within broad crackingclay plains; seasonally waterlogged; usually treeless.

Small steep hills and outcrops of sandstone and other rocktypes in a matrix of stony cracking clay; random occurrence,vegetation varied.

Greater than 50% silicified sandstone in clay matrix.

Dolomitic rock outcrops.

Rivers and major creeks with associated steep banks;frontage vegetation.

Cracking clays in a severely eroded and truncated condition(Cununurra eroded phase) and other soils bordering therivers and major creeks; minor levees, point bars and swamps;

Undifferentiated complex of land units 8a and 8b.

Complex, depressed peripheral zones adjoining sandy orlateritic land systems; soils very variable but mainly heavyclays with sand inclusions; depressions are seasonally

Complex zone between unit 8a and sandy land systems;soils very variable mostly duplex soils; variable woodland

Brownish cracking clays with finely structured high pHtopsoils (Cununurra alkaline phase) and intergrades with

Billabongs or swamps.

SOILS OF THE WEABER PLAINWESTERN AUSTRALIA

WEABER PLAIN

1000m 0 1 2 3

N128

50’E

128

50’E

128

47’E

128

47’E

129

E12

9E

15 31’S

15 32’S15 32’S

15 30’S 15 30’S

15 22’30"S15 22’30"S

480

480

490

490

485

485

495

495

500

500

285 285

290 290

295 295

300 300000mN

000mN 000mN

000mN8

88

8

000m

E

000m

E00

0mE

000m

E

000m

E

Areal scale

200 ha in units of 25 ha

WES

TER

NAU

STR

ALIA

NO

RTH

ERN

TER

RIT

OR

YBO

RD

ER

Legend1

2b

2c

2d

4a

4b

4c

4d

4e

5a

5at

5b

5bt

5c

6

6a

6d

7a

7b

8

8a

8b

9c

B/s

Cc Cockatoo Land System

Perth

Location diagram

WesternAustralia

Area ofsurvey

1996C

Acknowledgements

Reference

Projection:Grid:Source data:

Universal Transverse MercatorAMG zone 52Field survey and interpretation ofaerial photography.

4km

inundated; open woodland.Eucalyptus papuana

moderate depths for long periods; thick

shallow depths for short periods; open

Eucalyptus micro-

Eucalyptus micro-

predominantly woodland.Lysiphyllum cuninghamii

inundated; Eucalyptus microtheca dominated woodland,some Excoecaria parvifolia.

with Eucalyptus polycarpa and Eucalyptus microtheca.

(Walyara); vegetation includes

Lysiphyllum cunninghamii

and Carissa lanceolata.

Jim Dixon

5d

2a

Eucalyptus microtheca and excoecaria parvifolia.

9a

structured high pH topsoils. Cununurra alkaline phase)Lysiphyllum

cunninghamii, Carissa lanceolata and occassional eucalypts.

9b

structured high pH topsoils. Cununurra alkaline phase)and

Cracking clays (Cununurra normal phase); relatively uniform

Use of map

This map is designed for use at the published scale. Technical

Contours (20m interval)

woodland.

River/stream

Red-brown earths (Bonaparte normal phase); occurs as’islands’ in broad cracking clay plains; low eucalyptwoodlands.

LAND RESOURCE MAP No. 19

Agriculture Western Australia

Soil survey by J.C. Dixon, Natural Resources Assessment Group,Agriculture Western Australia. Digital topographic base supplied by the Department of Land Administration. Map prepared byP.M. Goulding, Agriculture Western Australia.queries should be directed to Natural Resources Assessment

Group, Agriculture Western Australia.

WESTERN AUSTRALIAAgriculture

Bibliographic referenceDixon, J.C. "Soils of the Weaber Plain Western Australia" (Scale 1:50,000) Land Resource Map No. 19. To accompanytechnical report.

Scale 1:50,000

theca/excoecaria parvifolia woodland.

About 40% gradational calcareous clays (Walyara) in amatrix of land unit 1a (brownish, cracking clays with finely

vegetation relatively thick and includes


vegetation includes Carissalanceolata.

Walyara soils; about 2% gradational calcareous claysLysiphyllum cunninghamii

1

5b

7b

5a

5c

8a

8b

5bt

8

6

8a

6a 6

Cc

4a

4d 2b

2b

2b

4c4c2c

8a

8b

8b

5b

4c4b

4c4c

4c

4b

4b2c

2c

4b

4c

4a 2d

2d

4d

4b 4b4b

4b

4b4c

2c

2b4c

4c

7a

1 4c

7b7b

4d5c

4d2c

5b

1

B/s

8a

1

5a

5b

11

1

1 7b

5c

8b

5c

5b

1

4c6

6

8

8

8

6

9c

69c

9c8

9c

9c

4a

8a

FOLLY ROCK

5b

8a

6

6

8a

66

4a

4b

4b

4c

4b

86

5b5at

5a

1

8b

4e8a

B/s

5b

5bt

4c6d

6d

6d

6d

4b

5c

8

6a

4c

5c

5c

9c9a5b

2a

2a

5b

5bt

9c5b

5b

5b

9c

9c

8a5c

5c5at

4a 4b

5c

6

9c 9b

9a4b

8a

5c

8

Cc

Cc5c

5a

5c

5b

1

5a5c

8

5bt

1

6

68

9c

6

9c5d

4a

5bt 4a

4a4b

4b8b

4c

8

8 4b

5bt6a

6 4a

5c

6

6

68a

8

6

8a6

5c

1

5b

5a

5b

8a

5c

1

5b

5b

5a

5a5a

5a

5c

5c

1b

68 6

8 8

4d

8b

8

B/s

9c

8a

Cockatoo Land System

1

1

5c

5c

8a

8b

5a

5a

1

4a

5c8a

5a

5c

8a

8a

8a

8a

8a

1

1

1

1

1

1





8

5b

5a

5b

1

7a

7a

7a

5c

5c

KUNUNURRA - LEGUNE

STATION ROAD

TOPO

INT

SPR

ING

S

EC DU

AO

CH CG

AB

CX CW

DJ

Creek

Knox

Creek

Melon

CreekG

umCr

eek

Border

WEABER RANGE

PINC

OMBERA

NGES

SORBYHILL

S


Unsealed road




























WEABER PLAIN

1000m 0 1 2 3

N128

50’E

128

50’E

128

47’E

128

47’E

129

E12

9E

15 31’S

15 32’S15 32’S

15 30’S 15 30’S

15 22’30"S15 22’30"S

480

480

490

490

485

485

495

495

500

500

285 285

290 290

295 295

300 300000mN

000mN 000mN

000mN8

88

8

000m

E

000m

E00

0mE

000m

E

000m

E

Areal scale


WES

TER

NAU

STR

ALIA

NO

RTH

ERN

TER

RIT

OR

YBO

RD

ER

Legend1

2b

2c

2d

4a

4b

4c

4d

4e

5a

5at

5b

5bt

5c

6

6a

6d

7a

7b

8

8a

8b

9c

B/s


Perth

Location diagram

WesternAustralia

Area ofsurvey

1996C

Acknowledgements

Reference



4km




Eucalyptus micro-

Eucalyptus micro-







Jim Dixon

5d

2a


9a



9b



Use of map



woodland.

River/stream








Scale 1:50,000







1

5b

7b

5a

5c

8a

8b

5bt

8

6

8a

6a 6

Cc

4a

4d 2b

2b

2b

4c4c2c

8a

8b

8b

5b

4c4b

4c4c

4c

4b

4b2c

2c

4b

4c

4a 2d

2d

4d

4b 4b4b

4b

4b4c

2c

2b4c

4c

7a

1 4c

7b7b

4d5c

4d2c

5b

1

B/s

8a

1

5a

5b

11

1

1 7b

5c

8b

5c

5b

1

4c6

6

8

8

8

6

9c

69c

9c8

9c

9c

4a

8a

FOLLY ROCK

5b

8a

6

6

8a

66

4a

4b

4b

4c

4b

86

5b5at

5a

1

8b

4e8a

B/s

5b

5bt

4c6d

6d

6d

6d

4b

5c

8

6a

4c

5c

5c

9c9a5b

2a

2a

5b

5bt

9c5b

5b

5b

9c

9c

8a5c

5c5at

4a 4b

5c

6

9c 9b

9a4b

8a

5c

8

Cc

Cc5c

5a

5c

5b

1

5a5c

8

5bt

1

6

68

9c

6

9c5d

4a

5bt 4a

4a4b

4b8b

4c

8

8 4b

5bt6a

6 4a

5c

6

6

68a

8

6

8a6

5c

1

5b

5a

5b

8a

5c

1

5b

5b

5a

5a5a

5a

5c

5c

1b

68 6

8 8

4d

8b

8

B/s

9c

8a


1

1

5c

5c

8a

8b

5a

5a

1

4a

5c8a

5a

5c

8a

8a

8a

8a

8a

1

1

1

1

1

1





8

5b

5a

5b

1

7a

7a

7a

5c

5c

KUNUNURRA - LEGUNE

STATION ROAD

TOPO

INT

SPR

ING

S

EC DU

AO

CH CG

AB

CX CW

DJ

Creek

Knox

Creek

Melon

CreekG

umCr

eek

Border

WEABER RANGE

PINC

OMBERA

NGES

SORBYHILL

S


Unsealed road




























WEABER PLAIN

1000m 0 1 2 3

N128

50’E

128

50’E

128

47’E

128

47’E

129

E12

9E

15 31’S

15 32’S15 32’S

15 30’S 15 30’S

15 22’30"S15 22’30"S

480

480

490

490

485

485

495

495

500

500

285 285

290 290

295 295

300 300000mN

000mN 000mN

000mN8

88

8

000m

E

000m

E00

0mE

000m

E

000m

E

Areal scale


WES

TER

NAU

STR

ALIA

NO

RTH

ERN

TER

RIT

OR

YBO

RD

ER

Legend1

2b

2c

2d

4a

4b

4c

4d

4e

5a

5at

5b

5bt

5c

6

6a

6d

7a

7b

8

8a

8b

9c

B/s


Perth

Location diagram

WesternAustralia

Area ofsurvey

1996C

Acknowledgements

Reference



4km




Eucalyptus micro-

Eucalyptus micro-







Jim Dixon

5d

2a


9a



9b



Use of map



woodland.

River/stream








Scale 1:50,000







1

5b

7b

5a

5c

8a

8b

5bt

8

6

8a

6a 6

Cc

4a

4d 2b

2b

2b

4c4c2c

8a

8b

8b

5b

4c4b

4c4c

4c

4b

4b2c

2c

4b

4c

4a 2d

2d

4d

4b 4b4b

4b

4b4c

2c

2b4c

4c

7a

1 4c

7b7b

4d5c

4d2c

5b

1

B/s

8a

1

5a

5b

11

1

1 7b

5c

8b

5c

5b

1

4c6

6

8

8

8

6

9c

69c

9c8

9c

9c

4a

8a

FOLLY ROCK

5b

8a

6

6

8a

66

4a

4b

4b

4c

4b

86

5b5at

5a

1

8b

4e8a

B/s

5b

5bt

4c6d

6d

6d

6d

4b

5c

8

6a

4c

5c

5c

9c9a5b

2a

2a

5b

5bt

9c5b

5b

5b

9c

9c

8a5c

5c5at

4a 4b

5c

6

9c 9b

9a4b

8a

5c

8

Cc

Cc5c

5a

5c

5b

1

5a5c

8

5bt

1

6

68

9c

6

9c5d

4a

5bt 4a

4a4b

4b8b

4c

8

8 4b

5bt6a

6 4a

5c

6

6

68a

8

6

8a6

5c

1

5b

5a

5b

8a

5c

1

5b

5b

5a

5a5a

5a

5c

5c

1b

68 6

8 8

4d

8b

8

B/s

9c

8a


1

1

5c

5c

8a

8b

5a

5a

1

4a

5c8a

5a

5c

8a

8a

8a

8a

8a

1

1

1

1

1

1





8

5b

5a

5b

1

7a

7a

7a

5c

5c

KUNUNURRA - LEGUNE

STATION ROAD

TOPO

INT

SPR

ING

S

EC DU

AO

CH CG

AB

CX CW

DJ

Creek

Knox

Creek

Melon

CreekG

umCr

eek

Border

WEABER RANGE

PINC

OMBERA

NGES

SORBYHILL

S

Figure 15: Soil Types of the Weaber Plains

Soils of the Weaber plain Western AustraliaJim Dixon, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia

Legend



Inthepast,anumberofagriculturalcropshavebeen

grown,includingrice,cottonandsugar,howeverfor

anumberofreasonsthesecropsdonotdominate

thelandscapenow.Lowpricesandinsecticide

resistance,amongstotherthings,resultedinthe

demiseofbroadacrericeandcotton.Sugarcane

productionestablishedin1995endedin2007when

thereturnsfellbelowhighlyintensivehorticulture

andsandalwoodplantations.Thescaleofproduction

relativetothecapacityofthemillusedforsugar

canewasinadequateforittoremainviable.

Infree-tradingglobalmarkets,economyofscale

isrequiredforagriculturalproductiontoremain

competitive.Itisalsoapparentthathighvaluecrops

arerequiredintheORIAtoovercomethehighcosts

oflandandfreighttomarket.

Emerging trends and opportunities

Anewemergingcropischia(Salviahispanica)which

isattractivetoconsumersbecauseofthehealthyoil

profileofitsseed.Around1,500hectaresofchiawas

plantedin2009,50%morethanin2008.

MostisexportedtotheUnitedStatesataprice

togrowersofaround$2,400/tonne.

Theothersignificantchangeinlanduseinthe

ORIAinrecentyearsistheintroductionofforestry,

particularlysandalwood.Figure16showsthelevel

oflandusechangefromagriculturetoforestrysince

2002,withprojectionsto2011/12.

Agricultureinthegraphbelowcomprisesfield

cropssuchaschickpeas,hybridseeds(mostly

sorghum)andhorticulturecrops;redfleshgrapefruit,

rockmelons,mangoes,honeydew,watermelonand

pumpkins.Figure17showsthebreakupinareasof

thecropssince2002.Notethedemiseofsugarcane

whenthemillclosedin2007.

Therecentincreaseinlanddemandhasbeendriven

mainlybythegrowthinthesandalwoodindustry.

Thefirstcommercialharvestisanticipatedto

bein2013frominitialplantingsin2000.

Projected Areas of Agriculture & Forestry in the ORIA - Stage 1

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

0

02/0

3

03/0

4

04/0

5

05/0

6

06/0

7

07/0

8

08/0

9

09/1

0

10/1

1

11/1

2

Hec

tare

s

Year

Agriculture Forestry Other

Sandalwood

Citrus

Bananas

Mangoes

Pumpkins (all)

Melons (all)

Hybrid Seed

Chick Peas

Sugar Cane

Areas of selected crops

Year

14000

12000

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

0

02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08

Figure 16: Land use change 2002 - 2011 (predicted) Figure 17: Graph showing areas of selected crops.

Projected Areas of Agriculture & Forestry in the ORIA - Stage 1

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

0

02/0

3

03/0

4

04/0

5

05/0

6

06/0

7

07/0

8

08/0

9

09/1

0

10/1

1

11/1

2

Hec

tare

s

Year

Agriculture Forestry


Sandalwoodproductshavebeentradedfor

thousandsofyears.Sandalwoodoilisusedin

perfumes,cosmeticsandtherapeuticgoods.The

woodisusedinincense,furnitureandwoodcrafts.

Indiahastraditionallybeenthemainproducerand

exporterofsandalwoodoil.Howeverduetoover

exploitationoftheresource,theIndianGovernment

haslimitedexportsbyintroducinganannualquota.

Australiasuppliesaround40%oftheworld’s

sandalwoodfromharvestednativeplants.Themain

importersaretheUnitedStatesandFrancewith

additionaldemandfromChineseTaipeiandIndia.

Thelimitedinformationonsandalwoodproducts

indicatespriceishighlyreactivetoavailability.

TheUnitedStatesimportpriceforoilwas$1,200

perkgin2008anditispredictedtoremainhigh

until2012duetolimitedworldsupply.Theprice

isprojectedtofalltoaround$300perkgasnew

suppliesreachtheworldmarketfromtheORIA

andotherproducingregions.

TheothersignificantlanduseintheORIAis

horticulture.Horticulturalopportunitieshave

alsobolsteredthedemandforlandoverthelast

fiveyears.

Thereisgrowingnationaldemandforfreshfruitand

vegetables,duetoincreasedaffluenceandhealth

consciousness.HorticulturalproducersintheORIA

arereceivingupto40percentpricepremiums

inthePerthmarketforoff-seasonfreshproduce

(Figure18).Premiumstendtodeclinewithincreased

off-seasonsupply.

Therearegrowingopportunitiesintheworldexport

marketsforfreshfruitandvegetablesandtheORIA

iswellplacedtosupplysomeofthemoredensely

populatedAsiancountrieswithqualityproduce.

value of irrigated farm activity

Thevalueofirrigatedfarmactivityhasincreased

overthelastsevenyears.Theannualvalueof

productionhasfluctuatedasaresultofplanting

areasofperennialtreecrops(mangoesandred

fleshedgrapefruit)thatmaytake3-5yearsbefore

thefirstharvest.

Thesugarcanecropwaslastharvestedin2007

andalltheareaformerlyundercanehasnowbeen

allocatedtootherhighervaluelanduses,mainly

tropicalforestry(Figure19).Themixofcropsthatwill

eventuallybegrowninthe8,000hectareexpansion

willbebasedontheprojectedreturnsforeachcrop

thathaveshownvolatilitybetweenyears.However,

giventherightmarketconditionsandemergingnew

technology,theDepartmentofAgricultureandFood

expectscotton,rice,chia,tropicalforestry,intensive

horticultureandmangoestobepartofthemix.Three

ABARE conference paper 09.6. Kununurra Regional Outlook Conference.

paw paw

honeydew

rockmelon

mango

grapefruit

2002-03

2004-05

2006-07

2008-09

50

40

30

20

10

%

-10

-20

-30

-40

Figure 18: Premiums for selected ORIA horticulture

products in Perth Market

Other

Sandalwood

Citrus

Bananas

Mangoes

Pumpkins (all)

Melons (all)

Hybrid Seed

Chickpeas

Sugar Cane

Graph 1. Trends in Crop Values in the ORIA

120.0

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0

Year

$ m

illio

n02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08

Figure 19: Trends in crop values



possiblecroppingmixesfortheadditional8,000

hectaresarepresentedinTable4.Thisprovidessome

indicationofthetotalvaluethatthe8,000hectares

willcontributetotheeconomy.Table4indicates

thattherecouldbesignificantreturnsaddedtothe

current14,000hectaresunderproduction.Previous

workundertakenbytheDepartmentofAgriculture

andFoodin2002indicatedthemultipliersfrom

horticulturalproductionwere2.22foroutput,2.79

forincome,1.791foremploymentand2.16forvalue-

adding.Thesemultipliersprovideanindication

ofthepotentialexpansioninothersectorsfrom

increasesinagriculturalproduction2.

IncreasingthescaleofproductionintheORIAwill

alsoleadtothedevelopmentofagribusinessclusters

includinginputsuppliers,machinerydealerships,

contractingservicesandthedownstream

processingofagriculturalproducts.Thesebusiness

clusterswillalsogenerateemploymentinoff-farm

businessduringtheconstructionphaseleadingto

establishment.

ThereleaseoftheWeaberPlainsagriculturallots

willprovideadditionallandtomeetdemand.

Thetypesofcropsgrownwilldependonthe

marketsignalsatthetime.

Past & current agriculture research

ExtensiveresearchunderpinstheORIA’scurrent

croppingindustries.Withtheadventofthefirst

geneticallymodified(GM)varietiesofcottonin1996

camearenewedinterestinthiscrop,andaperiodof

intenseresearchledtothedevelopmentofguidelines

fortheproductionandmanagementofGMcotton.

Cottonhasbeenshowntobeaviablecropforthe

ORIA,producingyieldsconsistentwithAustralian

averages,themselvesthehighestintheworld.

Varietieshavebeenidentifiedwhichdelivergood

fibrequality,andcottonisnowagenuineoptionfor

theORIA.

Likecotton,thefundamentalsettingsformany

cropshavesignificantlychangedsinceresearch

beganontheORIA.Rice,whichwasgrownbetween

1973and1983usingapaddysystem,maybeacrop

withafutureintheORIA,butbasedoncompletely

newvarietiesandgrownaerobicallyratherthan

inpaddies.Althoughmuchoftheearliernutritional

andagronomicfindingsremainvalid,changing

technologyandenvironmentalconditions(including

climatechange)mayrequirereassessmentof

previoustrials.

TheDepartmentofAgricultureandFoodhas

producedacomprehensiveguidetothesoilsof

theORIA.OrdSOILpakisavaluableresourceand

coversthediagnosisofsoilconditionsandpractical

soilmanagement.

ThereiswidesupportfortheconceptofaCentre

ofExcellenceintropicalagriculturalresearch.The

facilitiesavailableattheFrankWiseInstitutein

Kununurraincludemodernofficeaccommodation

withhighspeeddatasystems,excellentconferencing

facilitiesand400hectaresofdevelopedand

irrigatedblacksoil.TheDepartmentofAgriculture

andFoodalsoownsa140hectareCockatooSands

blockthatwillbedevelopedtosupportagricultural

researchinthenearfuture.Theresearchstation

operatesasaself-containedfarmingoperation

andcanprovideahighlevelofsupportforfield

experiments.

table 4: Possible cropping mixes and anticipated returns (based on 2008 figures) for the 8,000 hectares of new land.

crop crop revenue ($/ha) mix 1 (ha) mix 2 (ha) mix 3 (ha)

Cotton 5,000 0 6000 6500

Rice 4,500 2000 0 0

Chia 4,000 2000 0 1000

Forestry 13,842 2000 1000 0

Mangoes 30,000 0 1000 500

Horticulture 10,000 2000 0 0

totaL reveNue From mix ($ miLLioN) 54.7 73.8 51.5

1For example, if there is an increase in demand for horticulture products then there is an increase in 179 jobs in horticulture. One hundred will be in

growing but 79 jobs will be outside the horticulture industry. 2N. Islam (DAFWA) & P. Johnson (Prime Research WA)Page 49 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan

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