The state government has released more than 15,000 hectares of agricultural land near Kununurra, in the first stage of the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project.
Premier Colin Barnett said the land release would help the government fulfil its ambition of creating stronger, more sustainable regional communities in the north of the state.
“Significant investment and hard work from both the state and federal governments and a range of stakeholders has now borne fruit, further cementing the Ord River irrigation area’s reputation as a world-class agricultural precinct,” Mr Barnett said.
“The release of land in the Goomig Farm Area, Knox Plan, and Ord West Bank more than doubles the size of the existing irrigation area and provides opportunities for short, medium and long-term agricultural land development for a variety of crops.”
Expressions of interest for Knox Plain and Ord West Bank and requests for proposal for the Goomig Farm Area close in February next year.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the area was already attracting significant interest from the private sector.
“The multiple land release will draw both national and international attention from purchasers looking to benefit from the Ord’s reliable water supply, productive soils and ideal growing climate,” he said.
