LandCorp is seeking Expressions of Interest for a head contractor to construct and manage the delivery of the dynamic Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project's infrastructure.
"The expansion of the Ord irrigation area is a key State Government project driven by Royalties for Regions funding and will deliver an extra 8,000ha of irrigated agricultural land to the East Kimberley, bringing employment and investment to the region," Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said.
"This project also demonstrates the Government's commitment to our State's indigenous people, with the successful contractor being required to maximise indigenous training, employment and business opportunities as part of the Aboriginal Development Package associated with the Ord Final Agreement."
The intent of the Aboriginal Development Package is to ensure the East Kimberley region receives maximum benefit from the project and that this contributes to ongoing sustainable employment for indigenous people in the years ahead.
The successful head contractor would also be required to maximise local content through its employment of subcontractors and labour.
The Liberal-National Government has made $220million available for the Ord Expansion Project through the Royalties for Regions program. This will be used to fund construction of physical infrastructure such as irrigation channels, drainage and roads to service 8,000ha of irrigated farmland.
In addition, the Federal Government's $195million social infrastructure funding package will deliver new social housing as well as a hospital, school, port and airport upgrades.
Following the EOI, companies with the capacity to construct and manage a contract of the Ord expansion's size and nature will be short-listed and invited to participate in the full tender process.
EOIs open on Wednesday, September 9 and close at 2pm WST on Thursday, October 8, 2009. A copy of the EOI document will be available from the opening date at http://www.landcorp.com.au/ordexpansionproject
