Department of Water Department of Regional Development Department of Lands Department of Agriculture and Food

Derby Broome Mowanjum irrigation trial

Perth

The Mowanjum irrigation trial is a joint research and funding partnership between the State Government and Mowanjum Aboriginal Corporation, a 350 people strong community • Groundwater located on the outskirts of Derby. investigation While Mowanjum’s 55 000 hectare pastoral lease contains large tracts of prime grazing land on the doorstep of • Development of stand and feed Derby, it requires a dry-season feeding capability to realise and silage farm model its aspiration of reaching its initial target of 10 000 to 15 000 head. • Pastoral station development Using local groundwater, an initial 38 hectare centre and productivity gains pivot irrigation area will be established for grazing and silage operation, with additional pivots being installed as • Year round fattening of steers Mowanjum’s productivity increases. for live export markets As well as increasing numbers of its own branded cattle, the project will allow Mowanjum to run stock from nearby • Aboriginal education, training stations, which would otherwise be isolated from markets and employment opportunities during the wet season.

The trial will also serve as a demonstration model for other • Demonstration project for Aboriginal pastoral stations in the Kimberley, and provide a other Aboriginal stations host of social and economic benefits to the region. Social and economic benefits Mowanjum trial area The intensive grazing operation resulting from the Mowanjum irrigation trial will provide sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities for both Mowanjum and Derby residents. MA MEDA STATION Y MED Working in collaboration with local education providers, MEDA STATION A RIVER the project will provide relevant training and meaningful DERBY work opportunities that will allow participants to be employable in the pastoral and irrigation industries. May and Meda Investigation Areas DERB Y Derby Airport RD Training and employment opportunities resulting from the project will include: Mowanjum Field Trial

• Stock management and animal husbandry MOWANJUM STATION MEDA STATION • Agronomics and land care DERB

Y

H

W • Marketing and business administration Y • Transportation logistics CUR TIN AIR BASE • Mechanical skills • Irrigation technology and fertilizer techniques

• Workplace occupational health and safety Broome Approximately 200km YEEDA STATION The following program is planned for the Mowanjum trial: Proposed Mowanjum timeline -

December 2014 Colourstone CONCEPTUAL BOREFIELD May 2015 Production bores drilled; AbattoirDecember 2016 June 2017 60km centre pivot site established Centre pivot commissioned; Interim report Irrigation productivity model pasture/cropping plan MT ANDERSONN SSTATION report finalised completed

Lower Fitzroy Investigation Area February 2015 November 2014 Pump test Agreement signed production bores June 2015 June 2018 JuneFITZRO 2017 Showcase Field day 1 Land assembly and DEBESA STATION ShowcaseY RIVER Field day 2 water development plan finalised

Department of Water Telephone: +61 6364 7600 www.water.wa.gov.au 168 St Georges Terrace Facismile: +61 6364 7601 © Government of Western 6000 National Relay Service: 13 36 77 November 2014

Some images courtesy © The West Australian 11674 100 1114