This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Western Australian government is looking to advance the agricultural industry in the state’s north, entering a lease agreement for the Knox farmlands near Kununurra.
The development lease will underpin new farmland in the Ord’s Knox Plain, with the area set to play an important role in the expansion of the region’s cotton industry.
The 5,400-hectare lease agreement was granted to Kimberley Agricultural Investment Pty Ltd (KAI) and follows the original 2014 Ord Development Agreement to cultivate fertile land for agricultural production.
KAI will partner with Keep Farming Pty Ltd to develop the farmland, building scale for cotton production and processing in the region.
“Today marks a tremendous milestone in the development of the Ord River Irrigation Area, paving the way for a vibrant cotton industry in our state’s north,” said Don Punch, minister for regional development.
“Widening of the Main Water Supply (M1) Channel is also underway to support water supply requirements to the area from Lake Argyle. Our Government has walked alongside industry for many years to help establish a new era of cotton production, diversifying the local economy and creating new job opportunities for the East Kimberley.”
The development has also been backed by local growers and Traditional Owners, with construction underway of Kimberley Cotton Company’s cotton gin in Kununurra.
“I am delighted we’ve reached this significant milestone today, which brings us another step closer to realising the full potential of this transformational industry that will provide significant economic and employment opportunities for the East Kimberley,” said Divina D’Anna, member for Kimberly.
“This is the largest agricultural project in WA’s north, and a fantastic example of collaboration between government, local agricultural businesses, and Traditional Owners who are a proud partner in the Ord agricultural industry.”
With the development to deliver Native Title benefits as negotiated by the Miriuwung Gajerrong peoples under the Ord Final Agreement.
“This is a significant agreement, which will support new farmland development and long-term crop production for Knox Plain,” said John Carey, lands minister.
“This agreement paves the way for the leaseholders to sustainably develop these fertile black-soil plains, create jobs and provide social and economic benefits for the region and the Miriuwung Gajerrong people.”
