Perth 16 July 2013. Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls has unveiled the agricultural subdivision concept plans for the development of approximately 1,000ha of irrigated farmland in the Kununurra region.

Mr Grylls said the development of the West Bank would provide additional prime agricultural land in the Ord Irrigation Area.

The development is expected to provide for up to 25 new farms run by local producers, with the land expected to be offered for sale by tender in 2014-15.

“The Ord West Bank is essentially an agricultural in-fill opportunity in Ord Stage 1, and its potential has been recognised for many years,” the Minister said.

“The outstanding soils in West Bank are an opportunity to further encourage high value horticultural crops, and diversification in the Ord system.”

The concept plans are a result of consultation and stakeholder workshops with the Ord Community Reference Group, MG Corporation, local State Government agencies, and the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley.

The plan also seeks to clear an additional 300ha of land, subject to support from the MG people through native title considerations.

The Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project is funded by the Federal and State governments, with more than $311million from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Concept plans are available at: http://www.drd.wa.gov.au

Fact File

• The Ord West Bank land is located north of Kununurra, on the western bank of the Ord River, opposite Ivanhoe Crossing. Valentine Springs Road (gravel) passes through the land
• The land is in two parcels (59ha and approximately 1,700ha) with approximately 1,000 ha arable. Soils are a mix of alluvial levee, sandy and black soil types