Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Creating a stronger, vibrant and sustainable community in the East Kimberley.
Page 1 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Contents
Foreword 3 East Kimberley Development Package 30
Executive Summary 6 East Kimberley Region 32
PEOPLE AND CLIMATE 10 Health Infrastructure 33
The Ord-East Kimberley Development PLAN 12 Education and Training Infrastructure 35
Decision Making and Consultation 12 Housing Infrastructure 37
Timeframes 14 Transport Infrastructure 38
Engaging the Community 14 Concepts for future development of Agricultural Land in the East Kimberley 40 Delivering Indigenous Benefits 14 Knox Creek Area 40 Ord Irrigation Expansion Project 18 Northern Territory (Keep River) 40 Weaber Plains 18 Cockatoo Sands 41 Delivering Infrastructure for Irrigated Agriculture 22 Appendix 1 – Stakeholders’ roles Environmental Management 24 and responsibilities 42 Water Availability and Use 24 Appendix 2 – AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION Future Land Releases Beyond 2011 27 IN THE ORD 44
Photo background: The Ord River Irrigation Area. Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Front Cover: Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 2 Foreword
Hon. Kevin Rudd MP Prime Minister Hon. Colin Barnett Premier; Minister for State Development Hon. Gary Gray Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia The Australian Government is committed to building a The Western Australian Government’s $220 million stronger future for people in the East Kimberley. investment in the Ord-East Kimberley Development The commitment of both the Australian Government
The Government’s $195 million investment in the East Plan and the Commonwealth Government’s $195 and the Western Australian Government to the East million investment of Nation Building funding for the Kimberley Development Package complements the Kimberley Development Package and the Ord River East Kimberley Development Package, are creating an Western Australian Government’s $220 million Irrigation Scheme, represents an essential investment in investment in expansion of the Ord irrigation area, to ensure the exciting new economic growth centre in northern Australia. the future of the people of the East Kimberley. balanced development of the East Kimberley region. This is another Realisation of the region’s vast agricultural potential, a significant The $195 million East Kimberley Development Package will redress gaps in example of how our governments are working together to tackle the upgrade of community facilities and services, and increased Aboriginal economic downturn and stimulate the economy. infrastructure relating to health, aged care, early childhood development participation in the economy, are the building blocks of development of and family services, education and vocational training, social and The East Kimberley Development Package has been developed by our national significance. transition housing, transport and sporting and community facilities. Most governments in consultation with the local community, to support the This project also incorporates, and is strengthened by the aspirations importantly, the Package will promote meaningful and sustainable jobs for economic and social development of the region. The Package will and determination of the people of the East Kimberley to secure a local Indigenous people. deliver real on-the-ground infrastructure for the people living and better future for their communities. Strong community involvement working in the East Kimberley, fostering growth and sustainability of The complementary $220 million Ord Irrigation Expansion Project has brought together a balanced package that aims to address the this high productivity region. investment by the State of Western Australia will contribute towards needs of the community. improving employment levels, economic development, wealth, The Australian Government’s investment will provide social The Western Australian Government is confident that the success of participation and quality of life for the local community (including the infrastructure in the areas of health, education, community facilities, this initiative and the economic, population and service growth it Miriuwung and Gajerrong People), through the expansion of agricultural housing and transport. It will also provide training and productive brings, will also trigger new opportunities for investment, business and and horticultural land and the improvement of related infrastructure. employment opportunities for Indigenous communities in the region. employment, across a wide range of economic activities. All necessary State and Commonwealth environmental approvals will be This investment in social and common use infrastructure in the East met. These projects will provide significant and long-lasting social and Kimberley Region is part of the Australian Government’s $4.7 billion economic benefits to the local communities in theE ast Kimberley region. Nation Building plan to support jobs and apprenticeships today while I am looking forward to witnessing these benefits as the projects unfold building the infrastructure Australia needs for tomorrow. and long after they have been completed.
Page 3 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Hon. Brendon Grylls Minister for Regional irrigation and transport infrastructure. Five per cent of all new irrigation We are now on the verge of that agreement turning into practical Development; Lands land is to be owned by the Miriuwung Gajerrong people who may reality and we, as local Indigenous people, must step up and grab hold choose to farm it themselves or partner with others. of this once in a generation opportunity. The Ord-East Kimberley Expansion is a confluence of nation building ideas with two primary objectives: to The Commonwealth’s parallel investment in social and community We welcome the Commonwealth and State Governments, carry the available waters of Lake Argyle to new areas infrastructure is pivotal to the success of the expansion and will bring Traditional Owners and business all working together with the of the magnificentO rd River Valley and to engage the significant change to the communities ofK ununurra, Wyndham, common purpose of improving the lives of all the people in our East Miriuwung and Gajerrong traditional owners in meaningful business Warmun and other smaller communities. Kimberley community. partnerships and sustainable jobs. It takes little imagination to recognise the boundless potential for As the appointed leaders of our people we have the eyes of our
The agricultural expansion has been long-awaited but this project is agriculture, pastoralism and tourism in the Ord Valley-East Kimberley Ancestors, Elders and our communities watching to make sure we more than just farming new irrigation land – it is the opportunity of a and this historic State-Commonwealth investment gives the region the make the most of this opportunity. economic stimulus it deserves. lifetime to build the community of Kununurra into a model where there As leaders we have a duty of care to support and encourage our is prosperity for all. The dream is to create over time a regional city Teddy Carlton Chairman of the people from the ground up to embrace a better future for us all. based on agricultural enterprise and eco and cultural tourism. Yawoorroong Miriuwung Gajerrong Yirrgeb Our commitment is to help our people embrace the task ahead and Noong Dawang Aboriginal Corporation The Miriuwung Gajerrong people signed the Ord Final Agreement in meet the challenge to make a real difference. 2005 in the belief they and their children will help shape a brighter The signing of the Ord Final Agreement in 2005, a Success will mean that Miriuwung and Gajerrong people will be proud future for the region. native title agreement between the State to be partners, contributing to the development of Kununurra and the Government and the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, The expectations of the traditional owners should be met and it is my East Kimberley community. wish that all in the valley, be they pioneering growers or newcomers, was a major step forward in acknowledging our native title rights and Success will mean a better future for us all and open the door for embrace the ideal of fostering Miriuwung Gajerrong involvement in their moving towards addressing past injustices and plotting a more future prosperity. workplaces. The Ord-East Kimberley Expansion is an opportunity to positive and inclusive future. This agreement opened the door for the showcase full Indigenous engagement. expansion of the Ord irrigation project and allows for employment and business opportunities for the Traditional Owners of this country. Funding through the Royalties for Regions program will see the creation of new agricultural land with associated common user
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 4 The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan comprises numerous integrated projects that, combined, will deliver sustainable economic growth and generate employment opportunities in the East Kimberley Region.
Page 5 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Executive summary
The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan available social, community and the release of an initial 8,000 hectares ORD-EAST KIMBERLEY DEVELOPMENT PLAN is a comprehensive and integrated package common-use infrastructure. of agricultural lots within the Weaber of funding initiatives, to be delivered in the These investments will alleviate the Plains area in 2011. While this area of East Kimberley Region through a collaborative critical shortfall in infrastructure PORT land is being prepared all the Delivering new Channels partnership between the Australian and relating to health, aged care, infrastructure to necessary scoping work for another Western Australian Governments. support farming and housing, employment, transport, horticulture land package of up to 6,680 hectares The project will include the release of 8,000 education and training, family and comprising the Packsaddle, Ord West hectares of agricultural lots, in conjunction children’s services. Investment in social, Bank and Mantinea areas will be with the improvement of social, community community and common New employment use infrastructure opportunities conducted. Consideration is also and common-use infrastructure. The objective The Ord River Irrigation Area is well Economic Development being given to potential future land of the project is to create a stronger, vibrant established, currently comprising releases including the balance of the and sustainable regional community in the approximately 14,000 hectares of Ord River Stage 2 M2 area: the Knox Creek East Kimberley. Any necessary environmental agricultural land that produced in and Keep River Plains, as well as approval processes at State and Federal level excess of $95 million of production areas of Cockatoo Sands not will be met. in 2007/2008. The most significant previously considered for The Western Australian Government, through the move towards establishing this agricultural development. irrigation area occurred in the 1960’s Royalties for Regions fund, will invest $220 million Available water resources in Lake Argyle and 1970’s with the development of on developing and delivering agricultural land and the Kununurra Diversion Dam and the supporting infrastructure, including off-farm water the Ord River Dam. The development of the Ord River The Western Australia Government is committed Ord River Dam respectively. supply, drainage and roads. Dam was intended to allow an increase in land under to ensuring the expansion of the irrigation area The Kununurra Diversion Dam created Lake irrigation beyond that made possible by the will preserve the biodiversity and integrity of the The Australian Government will spend $195 million on Kununurra and the Ord River Dam created Lake Kununurra Diversion Dam (the Stage 1 M1 area), natural landscape and cultural heritage. This is 27 specific projects to assist in addressing social and Argyle. These developments allowed for a supply of predominantly in an area known as the Stage 2 M2 provided for through an array of environmental economic disadvantage within the Indigenous water for agricultural production in the dry season as area. This has not been developed until now. The management plans. population and the current deficiencies in the well as water releases for the hydro power station at Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan will allow for
Left: Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 6 Executive summary continued
Above: Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food
Providing water for irrigation is a central component compensation package for the extinguishment of • the expansion of Kununurra a teacher training facility will be integrated within the of the project. Currently 350 gigalitres per annum of native title over 65,000 hectares of East Kimberley Kununurra High School Precinct. There will be an • the establishment of parks for conservation, water is allocated for the existing Stage 1 M1 area. land, and for the environmental and social impact of upgrade to the Wyndham Early Learning Activities recreation and tourism An additional 400 gigalitres per annum of water is the Ord Stage 1 Project. The OFA also provides for an Centre and a new transportable building provided for available for diversion from Lake Kununurra and the Aboriginal Development Package (ADP) which will • the protection of the environment and cultural use by the Warmun Early Learning Centre. The first 33km of the Ord River downstream of the enable the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people to heritage of the region. package will also provide for new facilities to be Kununurra Diversion Dam. The additional allocation is participate in the development as employees and in constructed at both the Kununurra and Wyndham The East Kimberley Development Package builds on sufficient to supply developments on the Weaber businesses. The ADP will also provide for skills TAFE campuses to meet local needs. Community the Western Australian Government’s decision to Plains, the remainder of the Stage 2 M2 area, and enhancement and in doing so, forms the basis for meeting rooms will be built in Kununurra and at the potential developments on the Packsaddle Plain and major opportunities, particularly for young people, proceed with investment in the Ord Irrigation communities of Kalumburu, Oombulgurri and Dawul, Ord West Bank area. A further 115 gigalitres per to develop skills and to participate in the mainstream Expansion Project around the town of Kununurra. along with an early childhood building at Jundranung annum is allocated for diversion downstream of economy of the region. The benefits of the OFA The Commonwealth Government’s investment in Remote Community. House Roof Hill (55 km downstream of the Kununurra extend to the community as a whole by: social and common use infrastructure in the East The Commonwealth’s education and training Diversion Dam), for development of Mantinea and Kimberley Region will stimulate economic growth • allowing for economic development by resolving initiatives will encourage and enable the Indigenous other areas in the vicinity. A new main irrigation and employment opportunities, and promote healthy, native title and clarifying the status of heritage community to contribute to and participate in the channel and associated off-farm infrastructure is strong and resilient communities capable of protection in those areas identified for agricultural opportunities offered by the expansion of agricultural being designed to allow a water service provider to capitalising on these opportunities. The individual and infrastructure development activities in the region. service the new land releases through effective and projects under the East Kimberley Development efficient irrigation services. • expanding the region’s economic base Package may require assessment under State and/or To realise the full potential for enhanced economic Federal environmental legislation. If this is the case, participation it is essential that all residents in the The Western Australian Government has partnered • increasing jobs and wealth for the community appropriate approvals will be sought. East Kimberley enjoy good health and have access to with the traditional owners of the land, the Miriuwung from the development of the land appropriate health services. Health needs are and Gajerrong people. The partnership is based on • providing community benefits and increased An education and training package will provide complex and are interrelated with social well being, the Ord Final Agreement (OFA), which was executed wealth through the improved participation of substantial upgrades to Kununurra Primary School welfare status, employment, housing, education, and on 6 October 2005 as a framework for the Miriuwung the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people in the and District High School and an expansion or and Gajerrong people to receive a $57 million local economy relocation of the Community Library. In addition, community service provision.
Page 7 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Above: Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food
The health infrastructure investment package is The capacity to enjoy good health is greatly The vast distances between regional centres means targeted at reducing the high incidence of ‘lifestyle’ assisted by the opportunity to live in functional community infrastructure, such as sports facilities, and related diseases, particularly within the Indigenous and clean accommodation. The housing and the promotion of Indigenous culture are population. In Kununurra, projects will include a major infrastructure investment package will deliver important to the development and maintenance expansion of the Kununurra hospital, redevelopment improved outcomes for Indigenous people and will of a healthy, active and strong community. of Wyndham health facilities, construction of a short provide the foundations for lasting improvements in The investment package provides for upgrades stay patient accommodation facility, refurbishment living standards, social and economic well being and to local sporting facilities in Kununurra, further of the Sobering Up Centre and construction of health access to opportunities such as employment and support for the local Indigenous arts sector by care service provider housing. In addition, the education. Additional social housing will be built in funding to the Waringarri Art Centre and the Commonwealth, through the Health and Hospitals Kununurra and Wyndham. Transition housing will be construction of shared office facilities for up to 30 Fund Renal Services Project, will be expanding renal constructed as an alternative to social housing and staff of the Gelganyem Trust and the Yawoorroong dialysis services in Kununurra. In Wyndham, health provided to Indigenous people to assist them to Miriuwung Gajerrong Yirrgeb Noong Dawang facilities associated with the hospital will be enter and remain in employment. Aboriginal Corporation (MG Corporation). redeveloped, the Residential Rehabilitation Service In Wyndham, the local swimming pool will be Improved transport links are critical to the future of Facility will be expanded and the Sobering Up Centre upgraded, a community jetty will be developed to the region and the transport infrastructure will be refurbished. Remote aged care services facilitate safe access to deep water and the picture investment package will fund an upgrade to the facilities at Kalumburu and Warmun will be upgraded. gardens will be improved. Wyndham Port Facility, which is essential to The remote clinic at Warmun will be refurbished or accommodate the increased trade activities resulting replaced and staff accommodation will be provided at from the expansion of the Ord River Irrigation Area. the remote clinic in Kalumburu. A range of The package also provides for the construction of a environmental health measures, such as incinerators separate patient transfer facility at Kununurra airport and fencing around sewerage ponds, will be and refurbishment of the airport terminal. introduced in the communities of Warmun, Kalumburu and Oombulgurri.
Right: Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 8 “The“New Ord-East Quote to Kimberleycome”. Development Plan represents a new investment in the region of $415 million.”
Premier; Minister for State Development Hon. Colin Barnett
Page 9 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan people and climate
The project area is the East Kimberley Region, has a permanent population of 800 people, with the including the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley main economic activity focused around the port and the community of Warmun in the neighbouring facility. Approximately 90,000 head of live cattle Shire of Halls Creek. The area is approximately and minerals from mines in the East Kimberley are Figure 1: Average annual rainfall 121,200 sq km in size and according to the 2006 exported through the Wyndham Port annually.
Census had a population of 7,775 residents. Supplies for the resources sector in northern Approximately 34% of the region’s population Australia are also imported through the port. identifies as Indigenous, although this is widely The port is also increasingly servicing the tourism believed to be an underestimate of the actual industry, playing host to specialist cruise ships that Indigenous population in the region. By 2020, visit the East Kimberley Region.
the population of the region is forecast to reach at Climate and climate change least 12,000 people. Kununurra has a sub-tropical climate with an average The main town in the East Kimberley, Kununurra, was annual maximum temperature of 39 degrees Celsius settled in the 1960s to service the construction of the (°C) and an annual average rainfall of 830 millimetres first stage of the Ord Irrigation Scheme. Kununurra is (mm) (Figure 1) which has demonstrated an 750 kilometres from Darwin and 3,205 kilometres increasing trend (Figure 2). Most of this rainfall is from Perth by road. from October to April with the months of May to September tending to be very dry. The second largest town is Wyndham, approximately 100 kilometres north-west of Kununurra. Wyndham
Figure 2: Trend in annual total rainfall 1970-2008 (mm/10yrs)
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 10 Left: Kununurra Diversion Dam. Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia “Our“If youaim iswant to see to look Kununurrawith only emerge one eye as a majorthen regional you will city only with a vibrantsee part economy of the foundedpicture.” on agriculture andLes eco Williams and cultural tourism.”
Minister for Regional Development; Lands Hon. Brendon Grylls
Page 11 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan
The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan is a The new investment in the region of $415 million will The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan will frameworks to minimise delay and cost, as well as large scale nation building endeavour that provide significant employment opportunities and be delivered through a partnership between the to acknowledge and build on the consultations will create stronger, vibrant and sustainable improvements in the lifestyle and standard of living Western Australian and Australian Governments. and engagements already undertaken between regional communities in the East Kimberley. of residents. It will make the East Kimberley more The Australian Government component of the Governments, Indigenous representatives, The vision is for an expansion of the irrigated attractive for private sector investment, both project is known as the East Kimberley Development stakeholder groups and the broader community. agricultural area in the East Kimberley to take domestic and foreign, and for domestic and Package and the Western Australian component the 4. The East Kimberley Development Package takes advantage of the availability of both land and international visitors. A more vibrant community will Ord Irrigation Expansion Project. into account the shared commitment by the water. This will grow the regional economy, assist in attracting and retaining skilled people and The partnership is based on four guiding principles: Australian and State Governments to national generate employment and provide social and their families to the region. water reform and the National Water Initiative to economic benefits for the local community. 1. The Australian Government’s investment What will be delivered increase the efficiency and sustainability of The benefits of the project will be shared package will be used to fund social and common- Australia’s water use. across the East Kimberley Region, including The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan will use infrastructure that targets economic and specific investments in the towns of Kununurra deliver sustainable economic growth and generate social disadvantage and brings long-term, Decision making and and Wyndham and also the communities of employment opportunities in the East Kimberley sustainable benefits to the whole of the East consultation Warmun, Oombulgurri, Dawul, Jundranung Region. Work on projects will begin in 2009. Kimberley Region. The scale and complexity of the Ord-East Kimberley and Kalumburu. Any necessary environmental The direct benefits to the East Kimberley Region 2. The Western Australian Government will fund Development Plan requires participation and approval processes at State and Federal level will be delivered in areas including: those infrastructure works directly related to the investment from a broad range of stakeholders. The will be met. • agriculture development development of additional irrigated land complexity of the project means that it is necessary The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan provides a • water, road and other infrastructure associated with the Ord Irrigation Expansion for the Western Australian Government to manage unique opportunity to balance cultural, social, Project, including the upgrading of existing the implementation of both the Commonwealth and environmental and economic values to meet the • education and training irrigation channels, construction of new irrigation State Government (Royalties for Regions) funded challenges of climate change and increasing scarcity • health and housing and drainage channels, roads and services. projects. The governance structure developed by the of water in other areas of Australia. Lake Argyle is a • Indigenous economic development Government of Western Australia (Figure 3) indicates significant water resource which will be used wisely, 3. Where possible, the Australian Government’s new how the agreed management of the Ord-East within a framework consistent with Western Australia’s • transport investments are delivered to the East Kimberley Kimberley Development Plan will function. obligations under the National Water Initiative. • community facilities. Region through existing agreements and
Left: Wyndham Port. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 12 MINISTERIAL COUNCIL
ORD-EAST KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan continued MG CORPORATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN REFERENCE GROUP STEERING COMMITTEE
Weaber Plains Task Group
Social Infrastructure Task Group
Ord West Bank, Mantinea, Packsaddle Task Group
The Ord Irrigation Expansion Project is being for Water and Minister for Agriculture and Food. managed by the Department of Regional This Ministerial Council is advised by the Ord-East ORD IRRIGATION LANDCORP EAST KIMBERLEY Development and Lands and the East Kimberley Kimberley Development Plan Steering Committee, EXPANSION PROJECT Project Management DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE Development Package is being managed by the which consists of Directors General and Chief Lead Agency - Dept. Regional for irrigation Lead Agency - Department of Department of State Development. Executive Officers from relevant State Government Development and Lands infrastructure delivery State Development agencies. The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Government agencies are responsible for delivering Steering Committee draws on the expertise of local different aspects of the project and providing advice ABORIGINAL FUTURE and regional people via the Community Reference EXPANSION CONSTRUCTION APPROVALS COMMONWEALTH on how the project benefits can be realised. DEVELOPMENT WORKING WORKING IMPLEMENTATION Group and State Government officers. PACKAGE WORKING Decisions are managed and coordinated through a GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP high level governance framework supported by a Engagement with the community is facilitated team of project managers and officers within the through a Community Reference Group and three Figure 3: Governance structure for the Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan. Department of Regional Development and Lands. community task groups that are responsible for The Ord Irrigation Expansion Project may require different aspects of project delivery. This includes the assessment under State and/or Federal Weaber Plains Task Group, Social Infrastructure Task economic and social development needs by the Development Package with all relevant environmental legislation. If this is the case, Group and the Ord West Bank, Mantinea, Packsaddle Australian and Western Australian Governments. Commonwealth and State Ministers, and travelled necessary approvals will be sought. Task Group. The Community Reference Group and The Commonwealth’s participation in the joint to the region on two occasions to meet with task groups advise the Western Australian Ord Irrigation Expansion Project assessment was led by the Hon Gary Gray AO MP, Indigenous leaders, local service providers, Government on community perspectives associated Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern stakeholders, and local government representatives, The Western Australian Government’s high level with the Ord Irrigation Expansion Project. Australia, with support from the Office of Northern as well as members of the local community. He also commitment to the Ord Irrigation Expansion Project Continuous engagement with the Miriuwung and Australia. The Western Australian Government’s kept the Northern Territory Government informed is demonstrated by the participation of senior Gajerrong people throughout the project occurs participation was led by the Hon Brendon Grylls MLA, of the Commonwealth’s plans. Five high level Government Ministers, industry experts and through the MG Corporation. Minister for Regional Development; Lands, supported Inter-Departmental Committee meetings were government officials in the decision making East Kimberley Development Package by the Department of State Development. held to coordinate input from other processes. At the apex of the project governance Commonwealth agencies. framework is a Ministerial Council, comprising the Commonwealth investments in the East Kimberley For the joint assessment, the Hon. Gary Gray met Premier, Minister for Regional Development, Minister Region are the result of a joint assessment of and discussed elements of the East Kimberley
Page 13 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Above: The top of the Ord River Dam and Lake Argyle. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
The joint assessment recommended 27 projects the Council and the Community Reference Group on Engaging the Community Delivering Indigenous benefits totalling $195.0 million. The Western Australian these projects to deliver the best possible outcomes Building accountability and a productive relationship One of the driving forces for the Ord-East Kimberley Government is responsible for implementing 21 for the local community. with the community and key stakeholders are key Development Plan is the improvement of the financial specific projects, totalling $177.9 million. These Timeframes objectives of the Ord-East Kimberley Development and social well being of the local Indigenous projects are covered by a National Partnership Plan. Ongoing community input is critical for community by providing education and training, Agreement, through which both parties commit The predictable weather patterns that make the East informed decision-making. employment and direct ownership opportunities. to working together to support nation building Kimberley Region ideally suited for agriculture also The high level of welfare dependency in the East and economic stimulus objectives while addressing make it impossible to undertake large scale The community has been encouraged to express Kimberley is a current concern. The age profile of the social and economic disadvantage in the East construction activities all year round. The delivery of its views and provide input on the project through population suggests a substantially greater problem Kimberley Region. The Australian and Western new irrigated agricultural land and water a variety of means including: Australian Governments will work collaboratively infrastructure is particularly difficult during the wet in coming years if something is not done to improve • local venues such as libraries Indigenous employment. to develop implementation plans for each project, season and has been scheduled to coincide with the and to develop a location-specific Indigenous two dry seasons in the lead up to the land release in • local events such as the Ord Valley Muster The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan is not workforce implementation plan for the East 2011. The construction of transport infrastructure and the Kununurra Agricultural Show simply about delivering an increase in economic Kimberley Development Package. The project including road, airport and port upgrades is also activity in the region. It is also about providing • public displays governance framework for these projects will be the planned with the seasons in mind. opportunities for the most severely disadvantaged same as for the Ord Irrigation Expansion Project • community forums, briefings and workshops in the East Kimberley Region. The construction of education, health, and previously outlined. community infrastructure is less susceptible to • community newsletters The Ord Final Agreement A further six infrastructure projects, totalling $17.1 seasonal delays. Construction activities that • guided tours of the project area The Western Australian Government has partnered million, will be funded through direct provider prioritise the building of roofs and walls in the dry with the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people who are • local television, radio and newspapers. engagement or direct agreements with the Shire season and internal fit out in the wet can ensure the traditional owners and custodians of the land of Wyndham East Kimberley (outside the National construction activities continue all year round. The The Community Reference Group continues to play upon which agricultural lots will be released as part Partnership Agreement). The Commonwealth will delivery of social and community infrastructure will a pivotal role in ensuring the community’s views of this project. This partnership provides a framework consult with the Western Australian Government, commence in 2009. are represented. in which the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people can
Right: The Ord River at the Ord River Dam. Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 14 The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan continued
benefit from the future development of the Ord River • benefits for the Indigenous community as a whole • $119,700 to the Department of Water to fund joint Irrigation Area, by delivering better health, rather than any single person or group. management arrangements for Reserve 31165. education, training, employment and direct The major components of the OFA include: Everyone in the East Kimberley Region benefits from ownership opportunities. the agreement by: • $24 million over 10 years to establish and operate The partnership is based around the Ord Final The Hon. Colin Barnett, Premier; Carol Hapke, traditional owner, The Hon. Gary Gray, the new MG Corporation. This includes setting up • the removal of economic uncertainty associated Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia; The Hon. Brendon Grylls, Agreement (OFA). Signed on 6 October 2005, the a special Economic Development Unit and an with native title and heritage, including avoiding Minister for Regional Development; Lands. OFA includes a $57 million compensation package Investment Trust further litigation to resolve outstanding for the extinguishment of native title over 65,000 compensation issues The Aboriginal Development Package hectares of East Kimberley land, and for the negative • $15 million of land to be transferred to the MG environmental and social impacts of the Ord Stage 1 Corporation including Yardungarrl (50,000 • increased jobs and wealth for the community from The Aboriginal Development Package (ADP) is Project. Under the OFA, the Miriuwung and Gajerrong hectares) and 19 Community Living Areas. the development of the land provided for in the OFA. The Western Australian The figure includes a percentage of future Government and the MG Corporation are negotiating people will receive areas of land in and around the • community benefits and increased wealth through land development the ADP, which Miriuwung and Gajerrong leaders proposed agricultural regions and communities, as the improved participation of the Miriuwung and recognise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for their well as funds for the establishment and management • $11 million for the Ord Enhancement Scheme to Gajerrong people in the local economy people to break out of a cycle of social disadvantage of the MG Corporation to act on behalf of the address the recommendations of the Aboriginal • provision for the development of Kununurra and and welfare dependence. Miriuwung and Gajerrong people. Social and Economic Impact Assessment of Ord the improvement of roads and other infrastructure Stage 1. This includes enhanced social services to The ADP will enable and encourage the Miriuwung The compensation package includes a range of in conjunction with the agricultural development the North-East Kimberley initiatives that focus on: and Gajerrong people to participate in the economic • the establishment of conservation parks for opportunities of the Ord Irrigation Expansion Project • $6 million to the Department of Environment • developing the capacity of the Miriuwung and conservation, recreation and tourism and provide them with the capacity to participate in and Conservation to fund joint management Gajerrong people to engage in the local economy the East Kimberley Development Package. The arrangements for new conservation areas with • the protection of the environment and cultural and benefit from any future development Western Australian Government and the Miriuwung the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people heritage of the region. • improved land management of key areas in and Gajerrong people agree that the scope of the • $820,000 to cover the freehold establishment conjunction with the Miriuwung and Gajerrong ADP is to be focussed on the Ord Irrigation costs people Expansion Project, which will enable the widest
Page 15 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan possible range of employment, contracting and • an audit of the Miriuwung and Gajerrong The ADP will improve the MG Corporation’s capacity business opportunities to be considered. population to determine their skills, work to participate in the Commonwealth Government’s experience and employment aspirations, which East Kimberley Development Package and the part The Office of Native Title has developed the ADP in will then be matched to suitable employment in of the State Government’s Ord Irrigation Expansion close consultation with the MG Corporation, Western the region Project that relates to the development of farmland Australian Government agencies, Commonwealth on the Weaber Plains. Government agencies, training providers, and • the creation of funds that can be used to Aboriginal trust organisations located in Kununurra. supplement existing training programs, address A final agreement on the ADP is anticipated by the barriers to employment and reward achievement The Ord-East Kimberley end of 2009 between the Western Australian by employees and employers Development Plan is not Government and the MG Corporation. • building the capacity of the MG Corporation and The ADP will draw on the principles that were the Western Australian Government to implement simply about delivering an established in the OFA and also include some the ADP increase in economic activity in additional ones. The range of benefits are to be • the introduction of intensive mentoring focused on achieving outcomes for the Miriuwung arrangements to support employees, their the region. It is also about and Gajerrong people in employment, training, families and employers to achieve sustained participation in tendering for goods and services, the employment outcomes providing opportunities for the development of business capacity, and the acquisition of a proportion of the freehold • providing Miriuwung and Gajerrong people and most severely disadvantaged other Indigenous businesses with opportunities to agricultural land. The ADP also provides for in the East Kimberley Region. consultation during the development and for tender for goods and services
Aboriginal heritage protection. • supporting the development of Miriuwung and
Some of the elements under consideration for the Gajerrong businesses Prime Minister Kevin Rudd talks to local community member Tim Croot alongside package include: • supporting the MG Corporation’s right to acquire Premier Colin Barnett and the Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia, and purchase farmland under the OFA. Hon. Gary Gray.
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 16 The Western Australian Government will release 8,000 hectares of agricultural land in 2011.
Page 17 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Ord Irrigation Expansion Project
The Ord Irrigation Expansion Project is Weaber Plains crops. For these reasons and its strategic importance focused on the delivery of 8,000 hectares in terms of potential future land development, the The Weaber Plains area is being developed for release of irrigated agricultural land as the first stage Ord Irrigation Expansion Project is focussing on in 2011. This area comprises 8,000 hectares of mainly in the achievement of a longer term goal to delivering this land for release in 2011. Aquitaine clay soil abutting the existing Ord Stage 1 to maximise irrigation potential in the region. the north-east of Kununurra (Figure 5). The Weaber The development of the remaining area of the This includes four potential packages of Plains area is the first parcel of land in the area known Western Australian Stage 2 M2 area (Knox Creek land in Western Australia and one in the as the Stage 2 M2 area which includes land in the Knox Plains) is currently constrained from an agricultural Northern Territory. Creek Plain and Keep River Plain (Figure 5). See expansion perspective by the possible development The project will deliver about 8,000 hectares in ‘Concepts for future development of agricultural land of a base metals mine at Sorby Hills (Figure 5). Once the Weaber Plains in 2011. This area has already in the East Kimberley’ on page 40. The development of this project has exhausted its productive capacity received many of the necessary statutory and the Weaber Plains area is a strategic choice, allowing the land will be rehabilitated and made suitable for other approvals to proceed. The project is also the possibility for future development of the remaining agriculture. This will allow a further 8,000 hectares progressing the scoping work required for three Stage 2 M2 areas. of land to be developed. See ‘Concepts for future additional land releases in the Packsaddle (1,380 development of agricultural land in the East The Weaber Plains area has already received the hectares) and Mantinea areas (4,000 hectares) Kimberley’ on page 40. approvals to proceed and is the largest land parcel and Ord West Bank (1,300 hectares) which is likely available for development as part of this project. More information about the Weaber Plains area to occur post 2011 (Figure 4). The Department of Agriculture and Food has also can be found in Appendix 2 – Agricultural demonstrated that this area is suitable for a range of Production in the Ord.
Background photo: Courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 18 WEABER RANGE
ORD IRRIGATION EXPANSION PROJECT Keep River
Current development area Sorby Hills Envelope
Weaber Plains
Potential development areas
ORD RIVER Knox Creek
M a n t i n e a PINCOMBE RANGE
Stage 1 M1 Area Ord West Bank
Pa c k s a d d l e
IVANHOE
Kununurra KUNUNURRA TOWNSITE ORD RIVER Area of Interest N Western Australia Northern Territory RIVER
Perth
DUNHAM
Page 19 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Figure 4: The Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan. Developing land and delivering to market Activities in financial year 08/09 LandCorp will manage the process of delivering the • LandCorp will undertake activities related to initial farm lots to ensure all necessary environmental preparation of environmental management plans, Federal environmental approval, dry season flora Keep conditions are met and environmental approvals N River and fauna surveys, planning activities associated obtained. It will also manage planning approvals, with Western Australian Planning Commission Sorby subdivision approvals, the creation of farming lots approval and preparation of marketing and land Weaber Hills Plains Envelope and the marketing and sale of land for the 8,000 sales awareness materials. Activities in financial year 09/10 hectare Weaber Plains area. An example of a • LandCorp will undertake activities related to subdivision plan for the Weaber Plains area is the completion of environmental flora and shown in Figure 6. fauna surveys for Weaber Plains, Mantinea, Ord West Bank and Packsaddle, completion LandCorp is in an excellent position to deliver the of all environmental management plans, agricultural land. It has experience delivering land subdivision approvals and scheme amendments. subdivisions in remote and challenging locations, • Landcorp will continue to manage the subdivision and has a good working relationship with key local awareness/marketing program and undertake Knox stakeholders including the Shire of Wyndham East land valuation assessments. Creek Kimberley and the MG Corporation. Activities in financial year 10/11 • LandCorp will focus on the marketing and sales of The method of sale of Weaber Plains land is being Weaber Plains irrigation land including finalised with options including conventional sale, management of the subdivision awareness auction or tender. program and marketing land for sale. Activities in financial year 11/12 • Land sales will be completed and LandCorp will Figure 5: The Weaber Plains development area manage land ownership transfer activities.
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 20 Ord Irrigation Expansion Project continued
Above: Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
Selecting the water service provider and setting This will include details on ownership and pricing of a water price the $119 million in new irrigation infrastructure. Once
the service provider is selected, the Department of J The Department of Water is responsible for Water will negotiate with the new provider to selecting the water service provider for the current
J determine the most suitable pricing arrangements J J 8,000 hectares and future expansions, establishing
LOT 10 LOT 11 LOT 13 J LOT 9 LOT 12 LOT 14 LOT 15 for the area. 482.37ha J 386.07ha 441.41ha 387.04ha 329.85ha 319.44ha 416.44ha the water pricing arrangements and for water
15.08ha allocation licensing. J
J LOT 25 J
J LOT 24 J
J J 36.42ha Activities in financial year 08/09 LOT 16 J
223.43ha The Department of Water will run a two stage
J LOT 8 J J LOT 17
J J • Department of Water to commence register of 576.47ha J LOT 7 434.31ha selection process for the service provider, beginning
642.22ha LOT 19 interest for the service provider J
J 495.23ha with a register of interest (opened in June 2009). LOT 18 Activities in financial year 09/10 LOT 6 LOT 3 LOT 4 LOT 5 233.77ha LOT 20 Once details are finalised around the technical and 157.32ha 241.96ha 459.60ha 439.18ha 450.97ha
J financial aspects of providing irrigation services to • Department of Water to release the detailed
J J LOT 21 water services prospectus 605.26ha the new area, the Department of Water will begin its
J
J
WA - NT BORDER NT - WA J formal selection process. This will involve the LOT 2 J • Department of Water to select the water WEABER ROAD J 723.86ha LOT 22 143.45ha Department of Water releasing a detailed prospectus service provider LOT SCHEDULE on the water service business and requirements, with LOT 1 330.44ha LOT 14 319.44ha LOT 1 PINCOMBE LOT 2 723.86ha LOT 15 416.44ha • Department of Water to negotiate and establish 330.44ha LOT 3 241.96ha LOT 16 223.43ha interested parties submitting applications based on LOT 4 459.60ha LOT 17 434.31ha specific pricing arrangements N J J LOT 5 439.18ha LOT 18 233.77ha their technical and financial suitability in delivering LOT 23 lEGEND LOT 6 157.32ha LOT 19 495.23ha 80.32ha LOT 7 642.22ha LOT 20 450.97ha Activities in financial year 10/11 Subject Land (20257.6ha) LOT 8 576.47ha LOT 21 605.26ha irrigation water services. Road Reserves (Including irrigation channel) (405.97ha) LOT 9 386.07ha LOT 22 143.45ha LOT 10 482.37ha LOT 23 80.32ha • Department of Water to assess licence application Flood Protection Levee and Drains (364.78ha) 0 1km 2km 4km LOT 11 441.41ha LOT 24 36.42ha Once the preferred provider has been announced, M2 Buffer (10,470.94ha) LOT 12 387.04ha LOT 25 15.08ha for new water allocation LOT 13 329.85ha TOTAL 9015.91ha the provider will apply to the Economic Regulation Authority for its water services licence. • Department of Water to finalise licence conditions
Figure 6: An example of a subdivision plan for the Weaber Plains area. The green area is the conservation buffer for the development. The Department of Water will also establish the • Department of Water to issue licensed water pricing arrangements for the new irrigation service. entitlements to service provider / users
Page 21 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Figure 8: Typical channel design
Delivering infrastructure for surface water and drains. The focus is on off-farm irrigated agriculture bulk water delivery. The Water Corporation, which currently owns the existing bulk water delivery A significant amount of new infrastructure is channel (known as the M1 Channel), has begun the required to prepare Weaber Plains for irrigated necessary works in order to deliver sufficient water agriculture in 2011 (Figure 10). Works commenced to the Weaber Plains area. The new water in 2009 and will continue until the land is released infrastructure (including the new delivery channel, in 2011 (Figure 7). LandCorp is managing the Figure 9: Typical road section infrastructure delivery. known as the M2 Channel) will be built in stages. The activities for delivering the bulk water delivery LandCorp, in conjunction with the irrigation service A typical bulk water delivery channel is shown Water infrastructure system (including reinstating the M1 Channel to its provider head contractor, will design and specify the in Figure 8. Additional control structures will also The most significant infrastructure component is the original design capacity) are indicated below. off-farm irrigation network for construction in the be constructed during the Ord Irrigation construction of new water infrastructure, principally Year 2011. Expansion Project. Activities in year 2009 irrigation channels and management of wet season • Water Corporation to ensure existing main M1 Weaber Plains Road extension Year 2009 2010 2011 irrigation channel can meet demands of the The Weaber Plains Road will be extended in order to Season Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet proposed Weaber Plains irrigation area. service the Weaber Plains irrigation area subdivision Proposed • Landcorp and Water Corporation to design M2 together with off-farm roads within the agricultural Activities Forward Works Phase One Construction Phase Two Construction irrigation channel between M1C3 and D4, land subdivision. This will include a 16 km extension • Materials sourcing • Weaber Plains Road to • Subdivision roads including associated control gates and siphon • Survey geotechnical subdivision • Subdivision irrigation supply of the existing Weaber Plains Road to the Weaber under existing main drain (D4). investigation • M2 Channel to subdivision channels Activities in year 2010 Plains irrigation subdivision. A typical road section • Traffic planning • Hillside drains • Telecommunications within design is shown in Figure 9. • Environmental approvals • Engineering design of Phase 2 subdivision • LandCorp responsible for constructing the M2 • Development of • Regulators, SCADA channel to a point of distribution within the environmental plans (M2 Channel) Weaber Plains subdivision, including structures • Engineering design • Fencing and channel protection drains. • Sale of land
Figure 7: Irrigation infrastructure delivery.
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 22
Ord Irrigation Expansion Project continued M2 Irrigation Channel Corridor Two routes are being considered for one N section of the channel
Review original design Infrastructure Corridor capacity of the M1 Irrigation Channel Weaber Plains Road Telecommunications infrastructure extension and other Activities in year 2009 infrastructure
Forward works related to: Additional telecommunications infrastructure
• Determine the road alignment for Weaber Plains is being considered. It is anticipated that this Duplicate M1 Irrigation Road extension; infrastructure will supply mobile coverage to channel. This will be the beginning of the M2 • determine material extraction areas and obtain new farms. Irrigation Channel necessary environmental approvals for extraction; Power infrastructure • Complete ground level survey along agreed road alignment; The provision of power to the farm lots is currently The last control gate • Determine road traffic loading and subsequent being investigated by LandCorp and Horizon Power, before the start of the M2 road profile design parameters; Irrigation Channel the State’s regional power provider. The State • Determine standard of road; road surface Government is working closely with the community treatments for Weaber Plains Road and subdivision access roads. to ensure that the options being considered are
Activities in year 2010 consistent with the requirements of the farming community. Options being investigated range from • In conjunction with other construction agencies, provide input to development of road self supply to combinations of common user specification and design. service networks. • Commence construction of Weaber Plains Road to irrigation subdivision. The start of the M1 Activities in year 2011 Irrigation Channel is on the Ord River at the • Complete construction of Weaber Plains Road. former Pump Station
• Complete construction of off-farm subdivision roads.
• Hand over roadworks to Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley. Figure 10: The irrigation infrastructure projects for the development of the Weaber Plains.
Page 23 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Environmental Management • Fire Management Plan Water availability and use the other allocations while enabling additional hydro-electricity to be generated by Pacific Hydro The Western Australian Government is committed to • Biodiversity Management Plan The Ord Irrigation Expansion Project would not be ensuring the expansion of the irrigation area will possible without the construction of the Ord River • establish environmental flows to protect the • Flora and Fauna Protection Plan preserve the biodiversity and integrity of the natural Dam which created Lake Argyle in 1971. The storage ecology of the Lower Ord River below the landscape and cultural heritage. A key part of this is to • Dust Management Plan capacity of Lake Argyle is 10,763 gigalitres (GL). The Kununurra Diversion Dam. ensure a strong environmental approach is taken. lake normally has a surface area of 1,000 square • Mosquito and Disease Vector Management Plan Following the release of the plan, work has kilometres. The Ord River flows out of Lake Argyle. continued on improving the understanding of the The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) • Soil Management Plan Although the Ord River is a significant water resource, required environmental surveys and the preparation hydrology of the Lake Argyle Catchment and • Revegetation Management Plan it is under increasing pressure from the competing of specific management plans to minimise the establishing comprehensive ecological water demands of irrigation and hydro-power generation requirements for the lower Ord River. This information environmental impacts of the development. Together, • Chemical Management Plan coupled with the water requirements needed to the management plans cover the required is currently being used to revise the water release • Infrastructure Maintenance Plan maintain the environment. The Ord River water environmental management for each phase of the rules for the hydro-electric power station and to allocation plan was released in December 2006 by the development: pre-construction, construction and • Environmental Education and Training Plan. confirm the irrigation allocations. Department of Water to set out water sharing operation. They cover management of both the 8,000 All plans relating to the management of water must arrangements and provide surety for new Using water efficiently hectares of land released for irrigated agriculture and comply with the National Water Initiative including developments. The plan seeks to: the approximately 10,000 hectares of the Because of the growing demands on the Ord River, active surface water management to achieve zero dry environmental buffer area which surrounds the land • provide for existing commitments to irrigation and it is essential that all water users are as efficient as season tail-water return and minimise groundwater release (see Figure 6). The management plans include: hydro-power generation possible. Significant efficiency gains are expected in accessions, and the management of any long-term the existing irrigation area from further automation • Groundwater Management Plan • allocate additional water to meet future irrigation groundwater accumulation to avoid any significant of current water distribution infrastructure and water resource or associated environmental impact. requirements • Surface Water Management Plan improved water scheduling. • identify new water release rules for the hydro- • Weeds, Plant Pathogens and Pest Animals power station at the Ord River Dam that provide for Management Plan
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 24 Ord Irrigation Expansion Project continued
Above: Lake Argyle. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
Water for the generation of power assessment of the cumulative impact of changes to The updated plan will be released for public The NWI also sets direction on best practice water the flow regime of the lower Ord River that will result comment later in 2009, in line with the stakeholder pricing and institutional arrangements. Water released for power generation contributes to from the proposed developments. consultation for the current 8,000 hectare expansion irrigation use and environmental flows for much of the Current water demand for agricultural production project. While the allocation volumes have not year. However, releases made for power generation Updating the Ord River Water Management Plan changed from the 2006 plan, public comment is Most of the current water provided for agricultural alone draw Lake Argyle down and increase the risk and Consistent with the allocations of the 2006 plan, necessary to finalise the updated plan. production in the Ord River Irrigation Area is severity of restrictions on irrigation supplies and the water availability will be optimised by implementing allocated to the Ord Irrigation Co-operative (OIC). environment in the future. Constraints on power precise operating rules for the Ord River Dam and the Commitments to the National Water Initiative The OIC holds a licence for the diversion of an generation are therefore required from mid levels in Kununurra Diversion Dam. The current sustainable Western Australia is a signatory to the National average of 335GL/annum from Lake Kununurra Lake Argyle to maintain acceptable environmental diversion limit for the Ord River is determined as Water Initiative (NWI) which is the platform for which is based on a previous estimate of demand releases and irrigation supplies during dry periods. 865GL/annum (including diversion limit from the water reform across Australia. NWI compliant while sugar cane was still in production. Each Ord River downstream of House Roof Hill). This is Environmental flow requirements water management is a key strategic objective shareholder of the OIC is provided with an annual divided amongst current and planned irrigation of the Western Australian and Australian water allocation of 17 million litres (ML) per hectare. The environmental flow has been set to meet current areas (Table 1). ecological values. When the allocation from the Ord Governments and as such represents a key driver in Actual use varies each season in relation to the mix of Table 1: The updated plan provides for the allocations at River between the Kununurra Diversion Dam and the delivery and administration of the Ord Irrigation crops sown and rainfall received over the wet season. 95% reliability (unless otherwise noted). Tarrara Bar (750GL/annum) is fully licensed and being Utilisation of existing Area Expansion Project. While not all the area is planted each year, some water (gigalitres) diverted, the flow rate in the lower Ord River will drop areas may be cropped twice in the same year. An 350* Ord Stage 1 (current and The updated Ord River water allocation plan will 3 3 from its current 65-75m /second to a typical 42m / provision for growth) example of a recent crop mix and resulting water provide security of water for the environment, guide second during the dry season. This dry season flow, 400 Ord Stage 2 M2 Area requirements is outlined in Table 2. the granting of licences that will secure water with higher flows in the wet season, will fully meet the 115 Downstream of House Roof Hill (inc Mantinea) entitlements for the development, and define water ecological requirements of the lower Ord River in 88 Total management accountabilities (including scheduling per cent of years. The Ord River water allocation plan 865 systems for water distribution and on-farm water is being updated to reflect currently available * 100 gigalitres is at 90 percent reliability recycling facilities) as required by the NWI. information and facilitate environmental impact
Page 25 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Above: Lake Argyle. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
Table 2: Preliminary irrigation requirements (assuming an average wet season). Crop Type Season In paddock crop irrigation requirement (ML/ha) The OIC allocation (with 90-95% reliability) takes development of the Stage 2 M2 area and 115GL/ Chickpeas Dry 4.8 Note: into account the requirements for irrigated annum will be made available downstream of House Chia Dry 6.9 Excludes on-farm losses (i.e. run off, deep Other incl culinary beans Dry 6.3 seepage etc.). Work completed on Ord Stage I production plus system delivery. Roof Hill for any development in this area, including A Depends on type of crop, length of growing the Mantinea areas. Agricultural producers adjacent to the Ord River are Hybrid Seeds Dry 6.4A season and planting date. B Planting date affects irrigation requirement. licensed for self supply by the Department of Water In line with the State’s obligations under the NWI, Sorghum seed crops Dry 6.4 C Sweet Corn Dry 4.1B Preliminary estimate; further work required. and supplied by the Water Corporation. These land the Department of Water has advised that any new Other seed crops (s/flower etc) Dry 5.2 Forest Products Commission may have more irrigation developments will need to establish reliable data. owners have established their systems to divert Cotton Dry 7.0 D Reduction in irrigation requirement possible. water directly from Lake Kununurra or the efficient water distribution infrastructure and Leucaena Wet/Dry 9.2 downstream river and do not require water services on-farm watering equipment to achieve best Sugarcane Wet/Dry 17.5 from the OIC. The total self-supply provision irrigation practices. Rice aerobic Dry 6.6 Sandalwood Wet/Dry 9.4C accounts for approximately 8.1GL/annum. However, Depending on irrigation distribution efficiency, the Bananas Wet/Dry 20.2 not all of this water is specifically for agricultural allocations for all developments will be set at around Mangoes Wet/Dry 8.0 production (mango and red grapefruit) and includes Red Grapefruit (citrus) Wet/Dry 12.2D 10-12 ML per hectare per year, to accommodate water water for public uses. The Ord River water allocation demand for the likely crop mix. Using trading, water plan sets aside a total of 15GL/annum for riverside Fresh Beans Dry 4.3 may also be moved between higher and lower value Pumpkin Jarrahale Dry 5.8 users in the existing irrigation area. crops, as currently done within the OIC. Pumpkin butternut Dry 5.8 Future water demand for agricultural production Pumpkin Jap Dry 5.8 Preliminary crop water requirements by irrigation Pumpkin NS Dry 5.8 The Ord River water allocation plan identifies over system and season have been compiled by the Rockmelon Dry 3.9 515GL/annum for future developments beyond the Department of Agriculture and Food (Table 2). The Honeydews Dry 3.9 existing 350GL/annum already identified for the list indicates average water use which may vary due Water melons Dry 5.8 Other hort crops Dry 4.6 existing irrigation area. Four hundred GL/annum to local conditions.
(with 95% reliability) has been allocated for the Cover crops / hay Wet 3.0
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 26 Ord Irrigation Expansion Project continued
Future Land Releases release and subsequent development once all The irrigation water requirements for this land Beyond 2011 approvals are in place. The area has undergone release under full development are approximately preliminary environmental assessment (including 10-15GL/annum. There is sufficient water under the The Ord Irrigation Expansion Project is also environmental surveys) and full environmental current water allocations to supply this demand, conducting scoping work on land releases additional clearance is expected by 2011. although the mechanism and method for distribution to the 8,000 ha M2 area. There are currently a further and sale has yet to be determined. three land packages being considered as part of the project. N N
Ord West Bank
Ord West Bank (Figure 11) consists of around 1,300 hectares of levee soils, of which approximately 1,000 hectares would be suitable for higher value horticultural crops. Ord West Bank
P There is currently an earth formed road running of arry Creek ortion Road Eastern p through the land release (known as Valentine Springs Road). Development of this land for irrigated agriculture may require the construction of a sealed road to replace Valentine Springs Road and provide all-weather access to the new development area. Mantinea West Mantinea East
Kununurra As a consequence of the OFA, the area has native Victoria Highway Townsite
title and heritage clearance and is available for Figure 11: Ord West Bank Figure 12: Mantinea is comprised of Mantinea East and Mantinea West.
Page 27 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Above: Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
Mantinea yet to be determined. An allocation of up to levee and complex clay soils that may be suitable for and will require investigation depending 115GL/annum is provided for diversion downstream a range of horticultural and broad-acre crops. on crop type and irrigation methodology. Located on the banks of the Ord River, 45 kilometres of House Roof Hill. northwest of Kununurra, Mantinea is comprised of Native title has been addressed with the Further agronomical work, engineering work and soil two geographic areas (Figure 12): Conceptual designs of irrigation and drainage traditional owners through the OFA and cultural surveying is required to confirm the optimum infrastructure to service the two Mantinea areas surveys have been conducted in accordance location of farming areas and crop suitability. • Mantinea East which consists of approximately were prepared in 1998. These designs will be with the Aboriginal 1,000 hectares of levee soils that are suitable for reviewed in the context of flooding risk and Heritage Act 1972. N higher value crops with potentially smaller unit Kununurra drainage issues associated with the lower Ord River. Environmental Townsite farm sizes Results of any new design would be incorporated assessments to meet the • Mantinea West which consists of approximately in the documentation prepared for seeking final State’s environmental 3,000 hectares of complex mixed clay soils that environmental approvals which are required procedures and statutes could be released as larger farm blocks. before this land can be made available for have not yet commenced. Victoria Highway irrigated agriculture. Irrigation water for the Native title clearance for these areas has been Packsaddle area should be available secured through the OFA, and a preliminary Packsaddle from the Ord River within environmental assessment has been conducted. A substantial portion of the Packsaddle Plains area the existing Ord River Aboriginal heritage survey processes are underway was developed under Ord Stage 1 (Figure 13). This water allocation plan and to ensure that all requirements of the Aboriginal area is currently being used to grow a variety of more may become Heritage Act 1972 are met. These are expected to be horticultural crops as well as Indian Sandalwood. available with completed by 2011. adjustments to current The land potentially available for new development Irrigation water for these areas, when fully licensing arrangements. on Packsaddle Plains comprises an area of developed, will be pumped direct from the Ord River. Groundwater options approximately 1,380 hectares. The development The mechanism and methodology of the water might also be possible Figure 13: Packsaddle Plains. Some of this area is already developed. opportunity is contained in scattered pockets of delivery will depend on cropping scenarios and are
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 28 The Australian Government will spend $195 million on 27 specific projects to assist in addressing social and economic disadvantage within the Indigenous population and the current deficiencies in the available social, community and common-use infrastructure.
Page 29 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan East Kimberley Development Package
Background on Joint Government’s participation was led by the Hon Region through existing agreements and including off-farm irrigation and drainage, roads and Assessment Brendon Grylls MLA, Minister for Regional frameworks to minimise delay and cost, as well other services. The project will increase the amount Development, supported by the Department of State as to acknowledge and build on the consultations of irrigated land in the East Kimberley Region from On 12 December 2008, the Prime Minister announced Development. and engagements already undertaken between 14,000 to approximately 22,000 hectares. the Commonwealth Government’s $4.7 billion Nation Governments, stakeholder groups and the Building - Economic Stimulus Package. The East Kimberley Development Package (the The Package will assist in addressing social and community. The investment included $195 million over 2008-09 Package) was developed collaboratively with the economic disadvantage within the Indigenous and 2009-10 for social and common-use Western Australian Government and is based on four And finally, the Package takes into account the population and the current deficiencies in the infrastructure to support economic development guiding principles. shared commitment by the Australian and Western available social, community and common-use Australian Governments to national water reform, in the East Kimberley Region. First, Commonwealth investments under the Package infrastructure. The investment will also alleviate the and the National Water Initiative to increase the critical shortfall in infrastructure relating to health, The Commonwealth’s investment in the East will be used to fund social and open access, efficiency and sustainability of Australia’s water use. aged care, housing, employment, education and Kimberley Region was conditional on a joint common-use infrastructure that targets economic training, family and children’s services. Commonwealth and Western Australian Government and social disadvantage and brings long-term, East Kimberley Development Package assessment of the most effective infrastructure sustainable benefits to the whole of the East The Commonwealth decision to invest in the Package The Package has also been designed to align projects to meet the social and economic Kimberley Region. followed the Western Australian Government’s with a range of current Government policy goals development needs of the region. The joint Second, the Western Australian Government will decision to proceed with investment in the expansion and frameworks. assessment was guided by terms of reference agreed invest an equivalent amount in infrastructure works of the Ord River irrigation scheme around the town by the Commonwealth and Western Australian • ‘Closing the Gap’ initiative – which seeks to directly related to the development of additional of Kununurra. resolve the disparity between the social and Governments on 24 December 2008. irrigated land associated with the Ord expansion, Western Australia has committed $220 million to the economic welfare levels of Indigenous and The Commonwealth Government’s participation in including the augmentation of existing irrigation Ord Irrigation Expansion Project, which is focused on non-Indigenous Australians the joint assessment was led by the Hon Gary Gray channels, the construction of new irrigation and developing and delivering agricultural land, in AO MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Western and drainage channels, road access and services. conjunction with supporting infrastructure, Northern Australia, supported by the Office of Third, where possible, the Commonwealth’s new Northern Australia. The Western Australian investments will be delivered to the East Kimberley
Background Photo: Courtesy of Tourism Western Australia Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 30 East Kimberley Development Package continued
Table 3: East Kimberley Development Package summary
Project $ million Health $50 million Wyndham health facilities refurbishment 3.4 Kununurra Hospital Expansion 20.0 Short stay patient accommodation in Kununurra 4.0 Residential rehabilitation facility in Wyndham 3.2 • Council of Australian Governments (COAG) • the Government’s shared commitment with Remote aged care services in Kalumbaru and Warmun 5.0 National Partnerships in the key reform areas of: the Western Australian Government to national Remote clinics in Kalumbaru and Warmun 2.0 Indigenous Health; Housing; Early Childhood water policy reform, including the National Environmental health measures in Kalumbaru, Warmun and Oombulgurri 6.8 Sobering Up Centres in Kununurra and Wyndham 0.6 Development and Economic Participation, as Water Initiative. Health service providers housing in Kununurra 5.0 well as the National Partnership on Remote The Commonwealth’s investment proposals have Education and Training $64 million Service Delivery Wyndham Early Learning Activities Centre 1.6 been developed to target priority community Warmun Early Learning Centre 0.6 • the Government’s $4.7 billion and $42 billion needs in the areas of health, education, housing Kununurra Primary School 25.0 ‘Nation Building’ plans to support jobs, families and accommodation, transport and community Kununurra District High School upgrade 15.0 and businesses during the current global infrastructure. Kununurra School Community Library expansion 5.0 East Kimberley Teacher Training Facility within Kununurra High School 3.5 economic downturn. The plans were announced A summary of the East Kimberley Development Kimberley TAFE upgrade in Kununurra and Wyndham 10.0 by the Prime Minister, Hon Kevin Rudd MP, in Package is provided in table 3. Community meeting rooms in Kununurra, Kalumbaru, Oombulgurri and Dawul 2.3 December 2008 and February 2009 Early Childhood Building for Jundranung Community 1.0 Housing $50 million • the development and implementation of COAG’s Social housing in Kununurra and Wyndham 30.0 National Social Inclusion agenda Transition housing in Kununurra and other locations 20.0 Transport $15 million • the Government’s commitment to the protection Wyndham Port facility upgrade 10.0 and conservation of Australia’s unique Kununurra Airport upgrade 5.4 environmental assets, particularly the fragile Community $16 million landscapes of the Kimberley region Community sporting facilities in Kununurra and Wyndham 4.2 Waringarri Art Centre in Kununurra 1.6 Wyndham Picture Gardens 0.3 Wyndham Community Jetty 5.0 MG Corporation – Gelganyem Trust shared facility in Kununurra 4.5 Total 195.0
Page 31 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan East Kimberley Region $64.0 million in For the purposes of the joint assessment infrastructure investments and Commonwealth investments, the East Kimberley Region was defined as the region will contribute to improving centred on the towns of Kununurra and early education, schooling Wyndham, adjacent to the Ord River irrigation area. and training outcomes.
Some East Kimberley communities, such as Kalumburu, Oombulgurri and Warmun, have strong cultural and economic ties to Kununurra and Wyndham. Where appropriate, investments in these communities were also considered in the joint assessment process.
Ord-EastOrd-East Kimberley Kimberley Development Expansion Project Plan | Page| Page 32 5 East Kimberley Development Package continued
Health infrastructure Chronic and preventable diseases are the areas chronic and acute illness in the community as well attraction and retention of qualified health requiring the greatest action. Health providers in as reduce the pressure on acute health services in professionals to ensure this program of work can be The East Kimberley Health Infrastructure the region have identified renal dialysis as their Kununurra and Wyndham. undertaken. Package will deliver a total investment of highest priority, with patients forced to leave their Redevelopment of Wyndham Health Facilities - Project Leader: Western Australian Government. $50 million in improved health outcomes communities long-term for treatment in Broome $3.4 million in the East Kimberley Region. Health needs or Perth. The Health and Hospitals Fund Kimberley Kununurra Hospital Expansion - $20.0 million in the East Kimberley Region are complex Renal Services Project, announced as part of the The redevelopment of health facilities associated Construction of a comprehensive and integrated 2009-10 Federal Budget, includes capital funding with the existing Wyndham hospital campus will and interrelated with social wellbeing, primary health care centre for the Kununurra area to establish a four station renal dialysis unit in enhance access to primary health care, residential employment, housing, education and training, and surrounding communities. This project includes aged care and new staff accommodation. The new welfare status and the availability and quality Kununurra ($3.4 million). increasing the building footprint of Kununurra
facilities will be complemented by the construction 2 of community services. Alcohol and substance abuse is also a major health Hospital by approximately 2000m to expand of new staff accommodation to assist in the primary health and general practice services, and social issue in the region. Other investment priorities include primary and preventative health care, drug and alcohol services, short-term patient accommodation, housing for health service providers, improvements to remote clinics, aged care facilities and environmental health measures.
The Health Infrastructure Investment Package includes three primary health care projects for services in Kalumburu, Warmun and Oombulgurri. These remote communities have strong economic and cultural links to Kununurra and Wyndham. Improving primary and preventative health care services in these areas will reduce the incidence of
Page 33 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan including child and maternal health, chronic disease Detoxification Centre, Training Preparation Unit, Environmental health measures - $6.8 million Health service provider housing - $5.0 million prevention and management, health promotion and a crèche and recreational facilities, on-site staff Improvements to dust control measures (road Construction of houses in Kununurra for Western community mental health, and clinical education and accommodation and paving for roads and pathways. sealing), incinerators, and fencing sewerage ponds Australian Country Health Service employees and training facilities. Project Leader: Western Australian Government. and rubbish tips in the communities of Warmun, employees of government-funded health service Project Leader: Western Australian Government. Kalumburu, Oombulgurri, and smaller communities providers to assist with the ongoing delivery of new Remote aged care services - $5.0 million and outstations surrounding Kununurra. In health services provided through the East Kimberley Short stay patient accommodation - $4.0 million Refurbishment or replacement of aged care service developing this initiative, consideration will be given Development Package. A mixture of housing will Construction of short stay accommodation for up facilities in remote locations. Kalumburu requires to developing a local service provider model similar be constructed, including free-standing houses, to 16 patients in Kununurra. The type of patients extensive work to rebuild a Home and Community to that being used in the West Kimberley. townhouses and apartments. expected to be accommodated include those who Care Centre and Warmun’s aged care units require Project Leader: Western Australian Government. Project Leader: Western Australian Government. are receiving renal, oncology, cardiology, obstetric, refurbishment. gynaecology and paediatric services. The project Sobering Up Centres - $0.6 million Project Leader: Western Australian Government. will provide patients with a safe and welcoming Refurbishment of Sobering Up Centres (SUCs) in place to stay when coming to Kununurra for medical Remote clinics - $2.0 million Kununurra and Wyndham. The majority of SUC treatment. Refurbishment or replacement of the remote clinic in clients are Aboriginal and the SUCs operate to Project Leader: Western Australian Government. Warmun and construction of staff accommodation reduce Aboriginal deaths. The alcohol bans and at the remote clinic in Kalumburu. The availability restrictions across the Kimberley will ensure a Residential rehabilitation facility - $3.2 million of fit-for-purpose clinics in remote locations is continuing demand and focus on the provision of Expansion of the residential rehabilitation service necessary to achieve National and State priorities for these support services. facility in Wyndham, operated by Ngnowar Aerwah Indigenous health, which focus on closing the gap in Project Leader: Western Australian Government. Aboriginal Corporation. The facility upgrade will Indigenous disadvantage. Staff housing is crucial for allow the service to begin treating families as a the smooth operation of remote clinics. whole. This project will also construct a Project Leader: Western Australian Government.
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 34 East Kimberley Development Package continued
Education and training Education outcomes in East Kimberley Region the effectiveness and capability of early learning Kununurra Primary School - $25.0 million schools, particularly for Indigenous students, are services, schools and TAFE. infrastructure Construction of a dedicated and distinctive primary poor. A major impediment to better education and Wyndham Early Learning Activities Centre school service on the Kununurra District High School The Education and Training Infrastructure training outcomes is the low level of engagement - $1.6 million site. The new Primary School will remain on the same Investment Package will deliver a total and attendance at school. Consultations with site but will provide a distinctive service for primary investment of $64.0 million in infrastructure stakeholders have highlighted the need to Redevelopment of the Wyndham Early Learning age children as part of the 0 – 17 years concept. that will contribute to improving the early improve the provision of early education, primary Activities (WELA) centre. The current Wyndham education, schooling and training outcomes and secondary schooling and training services Early Learning Centre is inadequate and a centre Project Leader: Western Australian Government. in the East Kimberley Region. The package infrastructure. will be established to promote best learning Kununurra District High School upgrade focuses on the following key areas: outcomes for young children and their families in The creation of distinctive early years, primary and - $15.0 million the community. secondary schooling services is part of a 0 – 17 The upgrade and refurbishishment of Secondary • Early childhood development and education; years approach. Specific investments identified as Project Leader: Western Australian Government. School facilities at the Kununurra High School. The priorities include access to and improved quality • Primary and secondary schooling; Warmum Early Learning Centre - $0.6 million expansion and refurbishment of the Secondary of early learning facilities in Kununurra, Wyndham School will also support the development of Trade • Post-compulsory further education; and and Warmun; the development of the primary Construction of a new transportable building for use Training and TAFE recognised courses at the High and secondary schools on the Kununurra District by the Warmun Early Learning Centre, to replace an • Community training and meeting facilities. School. Education outcomes will be improved by High School campus; expansion of the school existing old building in need of repair. This is the only Economic growth, employment opportunities and upgrading and fully integrating early learning, and community library facilities; teacher training child care service in the community. Warmun has better education outcomes in the East Kimberley Primary and Secondary facilities. facilities; improved trade training and TAFE facilities, strong economic and cultural links to the Kununurra depend on the provision of quality early learning and the construction of community meeting rooms in community. Project Leader: Western Australian Government. services, schooling and vocational training services remote locations. and infrastructure. Concerted action in the areas Project Leader: Australian Government, through a of education and training will also improve the The expansion of the Ord irrigation scheme is funding agreement with the service provider. socioeconomic, employment status and workforce also expected to increase the population in the participation of Indigenous people. East Kimberley Region, directly impacting on
Page 35 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Kununurra School Community Library expansion Kimberley TAFE upgrade - $10.0 million activities to provide adult learning in areas such as - $5.0 million health, cooking and information and technology. Construction of new facilities at both the Kununurra The expansion and/or relocation of the existing and Wyndham TAFE campuses, including specific Project Leader: Western Australian Government. shared community library located on the Kununurra trade training and general purpose classrooms. Prior Early Childhood Building for Jundranung High School precinct, to accommodate the increased to finalising the design of new facilities, an analysis community - $1.0 million school and community population. A well equipped of current and anticipated labour market needs community library and meeting place will provide will be undertaken to ensure the proposed training Development of a purpose-built early childhood both a schooling and community wide resource to facilities will meet the needs of local employees and education facility along with a community meeting engage with student, family and parental literacy. provide for an effective transition from training into room in the remote Jundranung community. The The Library will also provide access to Internet-based employment. The development is part of the long current facilities are not satisfactory and do not meet information and skills. term master plan for the Kununurra TAFE Campus to the community’s needs. Improving and increasing accommodate community and industry growth. access to community activities is also a necessary Project Leader: Western Australian Government. step to securing satisfactory community building, Project Leader: Western Australian Government. East Kimberley teacher training facility economic, employment and educational outcomes. - $3.5 million Community meeting rooms - $2.3 million Project Leader: Western Australian Government. Development of a teacher training facility to be Construction of culturally appropriate community integrated within the Kununurra High School meeting rooms in Kununurra and the communities precinct. The facility will provide specialised, of Kalumburu, Oombulgurri and Dawul. This project culturally appropriate training to student teachers will provide a safe and inviting environment and and services for new and existing Kimberley allow locals to maintain/reconnect with learning. The teachers. The facility will also provide training tools development of meeting places will greatly increase to support the development of teacher training. the likelihood of communities being able to develop
Project Leader: Western Australian Government.
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 36 East Kimberley Development Package continued
HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE Improved housing outcomes for Indigenous people people in regional and remote areas. Staff housing Transition housing - $20.0 million will provide the foundation for lasting improvements investments in the region will be delivered through The Housing Infrastructure Investment Construction of housing for Indigenous people in living standards, social and economic well being separate initiatives by both the Commonwealth and to provide assistance and reduce disincentives as Package will deliver a total investment of and access to life opportunities, such as employment Western Australian Governments. they enter the workforce. The project will involve a $50 million for improved housing outcomes and education. Transition accommodation is also Social housing - $30.0 million mix of housing types and will provide transitional in the East Kimberley Region. Serious housing needed to support Indigenous people’s transition to accommodation for people entering employment, as shortages in Kununurra have created issues full employment by creating a clear, affordable and Construction of additional social housing in an alternative to social housing. The Australian and of housing availability and affordability for viable pathway to move from welfare to a working Kununurra and Wyndham for people meeting income Western Australian Governments will work together the town’s residents with extreme rental future. test requirements on the same basis as existing social to develop flexible arrangements to optimise prices beyond the means of many people, housing. This project will increase the stock of public The Australian Government, through various Indigenous employment and Indigenous business housing in Kununurra and Wyndham and assist in particularly members of the Indigenous National Partnership agreements on Housing, is outcomes from the project. reducing housing stress on Indigenous residents community. already making a significant investment in the East of the towns. This will improve Indigenous health Project Leader: Western Australian Government. Kimberley Region by providing more social and and education outcomes, and reduce Indigenous Overcrowding, homelessness, poor housing Indigenous housing, particularly for Indigenous disadvantage. conditions and severe housing shortages are people. The Commonwealth’s investment in social significant issues for Indigenous communities in and transition housing under this Package will Project Leader: Western Australian Government. the region. In addition, there are large waiting lists complement these initiatives. for public housing and the difficulty in finding The provision of quality staff housing is identified by housing in Kununurra or other centres has created all levels of Government and the non-government disincentives for people to take up and retain sector as critical in the attraction and retention employment opportunities. of staff, and the effective delivery of services to
Page 37 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE range of industries. The expansion of the Ord River irrigation area is expected to increase the demands The Transport Infrastructure Investment being placed on existing transport infrastructure. Package will deliver a total investment The Commonwealth has previously provided funding of $15 million to promote the long-term for preliminary scoping work on the Kununurra Heavy economic prosperity of the region, which is Vehicle Route, also called the Kununurra Bypass. heavily reliant on the quality of its transport Planning and design work and land acquisition for infrastructure base. In consultations, the western leg of the bypass will continue through stakeholders stressed that effective transport to December 2009. While a Kununurra bypass is infrastructure is critical to the commercial beyond the scope of this Package in terms of cost viability of many industries, not least of all and expected timing of delivery, future funding could agricultural production, as well as being be sought through the Nation Building program. critical to the social wellbeing and liveability Wyndham Port facility upgrade - $10.0 million of the region. Upgrade of the Wyndham Port to improve the efficiency and capacity of the existing Port through The East Kimberley Region is one of the most the construction of better storage facilities, improved remote areas of Western Australia with the largest Kununurra Airport upgrade - $5.4 million Ambulance. The Shire Council will contribute access and upgrades to maintenance buildings, town, Kununurra, located 800 kilometres from $1 million to the initial infrastructure upgrades and repairs to the existing jetty structure. The Port Refurbishment of the airport terminal to meet Darwin and 1,000 kilometres from Broome. With and will be responsible for operating expenses. is a critical transport hub for the East Kimberley security and service requirements associated with a small, widely dispersed population, effective Region, and a primary point of access for a range growing passenger numbers, and the construction of Project Leader: Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley. transport infrastructure is critical to the economic of commodities including fuel oil, fertilizer and a separate patient transfer facility on land donated development of the region. High transport costs ammonium nitrate. by the Shire Council and operated by St John already impact on the commercial viability of a Project Leader: Western Australian Government.
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 38 East Kimberley Development Package continued
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE The East Kimberley Region also supports a vibrant as well as facilities to support activity in outlying and the Western Australian Government will be and dynamic Indigenous arts sector that plays a vital communities with which Waringarri works, such undertaken to determine the most appropriate The Community Infrastructure Investment role in the social and cultural life of the community as Kalumburu. design to meet community needs, within the Package will deliver a total investment of and attracts national and international interest to available budget. Project Leader: Waringarri Arts Aboriginal $16 million to help develop and maintain a the region. Corporation. Project Leader: Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley. healthy, active and strong society. Community Community sporting facilities - $4.2 million infrastructure plays a vital role in enabling Wyndham Picture Gardens - $0.3 million MG Corp-Gelganyem Trust shared people to participate in society and Upgrade of the sporting oval in Kununurra adjacent facilities - $4.5 million Upgrade to the seating and projection system at address feelings of isolation within the East to the new 42 bed Indigenous hostel, and the the historic Wyndham Picture Gardens to allow the The design and construction of shared office facilities upgrade of the Wyndham Swimming Pool by Kimberley community. outdoor facility to become fully operational again. for up to 30 staff for the Gelganyem Trust and MG updating the ageing filtration system and pipe work. Save the Children (Australia) has provided 12 months Corporation in Kununurra. The facility will be built Given the harsh environment in the north, community Quality community infrastructure is critical to funding to cover the costs of obtaining on land provided at no cost by the MG Corporation facilities such as sporting facilities and the pool are improving social inclusion, liveability and economic films as part of their support for youth and children and would be shared by the Gelganyem Trust and vital to community well being and engagement. growth. The local Indigenous people of the East in Wyndham. MG Corporation. Both Indigenous organisations are Kimberley Region are already disproportionately Project Leader: Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley. charitable organisations established to represent the Project Leader: Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley. disadvantaged and have poor levels of health, social Miriuwung, Gajerrong and Gidja people of the East Waringarri Art Centre - $1.6 million and economic wellbeing. By investing in community Wyndham Community Jetty - $5.0 million Kimberley Region. infrastructure and services, social disadvantage will Expansion of the existing Waringarri Aboriginal Construction of a community jetty adjacent to Project Leader: Western Australian Government, be addressed, helping to strengthen communities by Art Centre in Kununurra. The project will include the existing Wyndham Port facilities at Anton’s in partnership with MG Corporation and strengthening family and community networks, and upgrades to the studio, workshop, office, Landing to facilitate safe access to deep water for Gelganyem Trust. building a ‘sense of place’ within the community. gallery, storage space and building security. recreational fishing, particularly for local Indigenous Staff accommodation is also required to ensure people. Consultation with the Wyndham community appropriate recruitment and retention of staff,
Page 39 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Cape Domett GEOCENTRIC DATUM OF AUSTRALIA
15 s Cambridge V Gulf Concepts for future development of agricultural land in the East Kimberley
W.A. Cadastral Data and Aboriginal Living Areas supplied by Department of Land WESTERN AUSTRALIA Administration, W.A. NORTHERN TERRITORY
.
Adolphus Island Beyond the immediate development of mining tenements, which are located on the south 8,000 hectares of the Weaber Plains and the eastern part of Weaber Plains at Sorby Hills. Should potential 6,680 hectares of the Ord West a Sorby Hills mine become operational, the land River Bank, Packsaddle and Mantinea, there are could be rehabilitated and made suitable for Northern opportunities to expand the precinct. These agriculture once the ore has been exhausted. Territory 0 10 15 20 include the remainder of the Stage 2 M2 area Weaber PLAIN Sufficient water to supply this area is available from (Keep River) into the Knox Creek, Keep River and the kilometres the additional 400GL/annum available for diversion Plains
R broader region locally called the Cockatoo E from the Ord River between Lake Kununurra to IV Sands (Figure 14). The timeframe for the Keep R Tarrara Bar. development of these areas is likely to be in a longer term planning horizon, Northern Territory (Keep River) N ROAD particularly for the Cockatoo Sands areas I There remains potential for the irrigation scheme to KEEP where little baseline information is available Wyndham extend into the Northern Territory. ThroughOrd both PLAINS and native title and heritage matters are yet Ministerial and officer level engagement, the to be addressed. Northern Territory Government remains fully Knox Knox Creek area informed of current and future plans for the East PARRY River WEABER Creek Kimberley Region. CREEK
Creek A future land package of approximately 8,000 GREAT ROAD hectares is being considered for the remainder of the Potentially 14,000 hectares of the Keep River Plains land on Weaber Plains in conjunction with land in the could be developed on the Northern Territory side Knox Creek area. of the border.
Knox WaterRiver to supply this area is included in the additional This area is collectively referred to as the Knox Creek NORTHERN Area. The release of this area is dependent on the 400GL/annum available for diversion from the Ord Figure 14: The Stage 2 M2 Area assessment of the implications of lead and silver River between Lake Kununurra to Tarrara Bar. Kununurra King HIGHWAY
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 40 COCKBURN RANGE VICTORIA
HIGHWAY
OAD GIBB RIVER R NEWRY PL
EL QUESTRO PL
HIGHWAY
ANGES R
RANGES VICTORIA
BOYD SAW DOON DOON PL
CARR Lake Argyle Concepts for future development of agricultural land in the East Kimberley continued
The Western Australian Government will work sufficient investment to enable an industry to be collaboratively with the Northern Territory sustainable. Negotiation on native title and heritage Government and the Australian Government to issues will be required and these potential areas are ensure a coordinated approach to future not the subject of current statutory approvals so are developments in northern Australia. unlikely to be available in the medium term.
Cockatoo Sands It is also essential to consider the implications in relation to water availability. Currently there is The Cockatoo Sands comprise areas of light 865GL/annum of water allocated for the irrigation sandy type soils that have potential for irrigated area in the East Kimberley Region. However, if the full agriculture which would complement the more allocation is not used it could potentially be traditional clays, providing different crop options. redirected to the Cockatoo Sands areas, subject to There are areas of the Cockatoo Sands surrounding other approvals and land release. the Ord River irrigation area; however what is available to use for agriculture purposes is unclear The Ord Irrigation Expansion Project will overcome because some of the soil characteristics and slope some of the current limitations facing the agricultural of the landscape may make it unsuitable for sector. Ongoing research for cropping on soil types agriculture purposes. other than clay will ensure the Ord River irrigation area continues to grow as an irrigated tropical The Department of Agriculture and Food has been agricultural area adopting world’s best practice in allocated $154,000 to assess the Cockatoo Sands farming systems and developing new crop and a detailed soil analysis report will be available by opportunities. October 2009. These soil surveys will identify areas suitable for agriculture. This additional land would provide the Ord River irrigation area with a scale large enough for agricultural production to attract
Page 41 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Appendix 1 – Stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities
This significant project will engage a diverse Government Stakeholders Role range of stakeholders who are actively Department of Regional RDL is the lead project agency and has carriage of the agricultural infrastructure expansion project. More specifically, the Ord-East Kimberley engaged in the delivery of project outcomes Development and Lands (RDL) Development Plan office has responsibility for the overall co-ordination of individual agency and interagency works, including definition of scope, deliverable schedules, funding, reporting and communications with the community. A project team has been established to manage the development, or are key beneficiaries of the project. These including supporting the Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Ministerial Council and Steering Committee, implementation of the Aboriginal stakeholders and their roles and Development Package and to liaise with the Community Reference Groups. These functions will fall under the responsibilities of the Ord Kununurra office. responsibilities are outlined in the following Department of Regional RDL is also responsible for the management of unallocated Crown land (UCL) throughout the State and provides land tenure expertise that will support the Development and Lands Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan. RDL also has responsibility for the timely release of UCL for agriculture, industrial, commercial and residential uses table. Memoranda of Understanding have been (State Land Services) in accordance with the Ord Final Agreement. RDL manages the UCL on behalf of the State of WA and any development on UCL requires the approval of negotiated with several State Government RDL. In recent years RDL has approved the conversion of UCL to freehold, leasehold and reserve land for residential, industrial, commercial and community uses to support the growth of Kununurra and surrounding areas. departments and the process of further Department of State DSD coordinates Australian Government engagement, including social infrastructure liaison and work with the project team and LandCorp to facilitate refining responsibilities and timetables is Development (DSD) the relevant Federal approvals. DSD also works with relevant agencies with respect to implementation issues associated with the infrastructure package. being facilitated through the Ministerial LandCorp LandCorp is determining the design of the subdivision and lot sizes and acquiring the relevant State, local and Federal approvals. It project manages to facilitate the land release and supports a marketing program. LandCorp is also responsible for coordinating the construction of the irrigation, roads and Council and Steering Committee. other infrastructure in the Weaber Plains. Water Corporation The Water Corporation currently maintains the existing M1 channel. The Water Corporation is also the licensed provider of water services to the town of Kununurra, and to the Ord Irrigation Co-operative and industry and has responsibility for the management of the Ord River Dam and the Kununurra Diversion Dam. Main Roads Western Australia MRWA is responsible for providing support in the delivery of road works to and within the Weaber Plains subdivision area, including sourcing raw (MRWA) materials. Department of Environment and DEC provides advice on activities on land adjoining existing or proposed nature reserves or conservation zones, including promotion of the reservation Conservation (DEC) of the Packsaddle Swamp and Carr Boyd Ranges for conservation purposes; facilitation of the management of the impact of native animals on horticultural crops; research on the cultivation of tropical tree crops; provision of advice on the growing of tree crops, such as sandalwood and assistance with the assessment of actual and potential environmental weed species. DEC must also approve the intention to clear land areas in excess of one hectare. Department of Agriculture DAF undertakes research projects at the Frank Wise Institute in the areas of horticulture, field crops, intensive beef production and new industries and Food Western Australia including cotton, sugar and processing tomatoes. Sustainability issues are also addressed and other services are provided to address agricultural (DAFWA) protection and quarantine issues. Office of Native Title (ONT) The Office of Native Title is responsible for the negotiation of the Aboriginal Development Package.
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 42 Appendix 1 – Stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities continued
Government Stakeholders Role
Kimberley Development Commission (KDC) The KDC provides an integral component of a ‘whole-of-Government’ approach to the requirements of regional development. It assists in the coordination of responsibilities of a wide range of agencies having impact on regional development, and performs a role in identifying needs and ensuring a rationalised and appropriate application of Government resources to the region. Department of Water (DoW) DoW is the State’s water manager. The department has determined the amount of water available in the Ord River and manages its use through licensing. DoW also has three important deliverables within the Ord Irrigation Expansion Project. These include: selecting the water service provider, establishing the water pricing arrangements for the new irrigation services and issuing licensed water allocations to the provider and/or users. DoW will also provide advice and guidance on other aspects of the project, such as land drainage and metering requirements. Department of Fisheries The Department of Fisheries will assign access to aquatic biological resources in accordance with community priorities. Fisheries will revise the existing commercial and recreational fishing management strategy for the Ord River with the goal of the strategy being to maintain the high quality recreational fishing and aquatic ecotourism industry currently found in the Ord River. Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) The EPA will provide Environmental Protection Act advice in relation to Ministerial conditions and commitments for the existing Stage 2 M2 approval. The EPA will review the draft water allocation plan produced by the Department of Water and may assess other land development proposals which may have a significant effect on the environment, including the extensions proposed in the project. Department of Education and Training The Department of Education and Training is responsible for the construction of health facilities and provision of education and training services in the region.
Western Australian Planning Commission The WAPC is responsible for granting subdivision, development, strata title, lease and licence approvals. All land re-zoning must be approved by the WAPC. With specific reference to Ord River Irrigation Area (WAPC) (ORIA) Stage 1, Commission approval would be required for any zoning of vacant Crown land or excisions from pastoral lease to facilitate expansion of irrigated agricultural activities. Department of Planning The Department of Planning is preparing a Kununurra–Wyndham Area Development Strategy, which encompasses the north-eastern part of the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, and includes ORIA Stage 1 and ORIA Stage 2 M2. Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley (SWEK) SWEK controls the planning and development of Kununurra and its surroundings. Building and land uses within the project area require development consent from SWEK. Whilst it does not have a management role once land uses are approved, SWEK ensures that ongoing compliance monitoring takes place. Office of Northern Australia (ONA) ONA, with the Western Australian Government, conducted the East Kimberley Development Package Joint Assessment. ONA administers the $195 million Commonwealth investment in the East Kimberley.
Industry Stakeholders Role
Ord River District Co-operative The Ord River District Co-operative provides supplies, processing, marketing and support services for a diverse range of crops and agricultural activities.
Pacific Hydro As the owner and operator of the Ord Hydro Power Station, Pacific Hydro generates the electricity supply for Kununurra and Wyndham and surrounding agricultural areas. Access to a guaranteed level of water is critical to generating a reliable supply of electricity in the East Kimberley Region. Ord Irrigation Co-operative The Ord Irrigation Co-operative operates the existing irrigation system on behalf of the asset owners, the Water Corporation (M1 delivery channel) and the Ord Irrigation Asset Mutual Co-operative (remaining irrigation assets). Community Stakeholders Role
MG Corporation Custodians of native title funds under the Ord Final Agreement and key negotiating participant in the Aboriginal Development Package and recipient of land grants under the project.
Community Reference Group Advises government on the precise needs of the community to support the realisation of the project objectives. Weaber Plains Task Group Social Infrastructure Task Group Ord West Bank, Mantinea, Packsaddle Task Group
Page 43 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Appendix 2 – Agricultural production in the Ord
A short history of the Ord River irrigation area These investigations established that 22,000 second stage which included the construction of a the Ord River. A joint venture consortium comprising hectares of potentially irrigable soils could be dam on the Ord River, spillway, irrigation channels Wesfarmers, Marubeni and the Water Corporation The Government of Western Australia’s interest in commanded and that a further 50,000 hectares and infrastructure. Work commenced in early 1969 was awarded the preferred developer status to the development of Australia’s North West is traced was available if the area was extended into the and in late 1971 the dam was complete and Lake investigate the feasibility of a project to expand to the exploration of the Fitzroy and Ord Valleys by Northern Territory. Argyle was created. This newest stage was officially the land available for agriculture. This feasibility Alexander Forrest in the 1870s. In a report of this opened by Prime Minister William McMahon on 30 study examined 33,000 hectares of land on the expedition to the Western Australian Parliament, By 1958, the research station had proven that it June 1972, with additional agricultural land allocated Weaber, Knox Creek and Keep River Plains, as well as Forrest concluded that an area of 25 million was feasible to build a dam to store enough water in 1973. additional land adjoining the Ord River, including Ord acres was suitable for pastoral and agricultural to irrigate the estimated 72,000 hectares of West Bank, Mantinea and remaining portions of the experiments. The area was quickly surveyed and irrigable soils in Western Australia and the Northern In 1974 the Australian Government deferred funding Packsaddle Plain not previously developed. a pastoral industry in the East Kimberley was Territory. It had also demonstrated that cotton, rice, for any further expansion of the area. By this established soon afterwards. In 1939 the East safflower, linseed and sugar cane would grow well time, approximately 14,000 hectares of irrigated In 2001 the Wesfarmers and Marubeni consortium Kimberley Region was identified as suitable for under irrigation. agricultural land had already been delivered. decided not to proceed with the project due to falling irrigated agriculture. sugar prices and uncertainty over environmental, In 1959 the Australian Government committed to In response to growing electricity demand in native title, water and heritage issues. However, In 1941, a party of engineers and scientists explored the irrigation of the Ord region by constructing the the region during the early 1990s, construction when the consortium withdrew, the environmental the area and determined that the Ord River could Kununurra Diversion Dam, a reticulation and drainage commenced on a 30 MW power station at the impact assessment (EIA) of their proposal was be dammed at several sites between 100 and 150 system and the development of approximately Ord River Dam in 1995. The station became fully well advanced. The Minister for State Development kilometres from Wyndham. This dam could be used 12,000 hectares of irrigable land. This was the limit operational in 1996 and now supplies renewable accepted caretaker responsibility for the proposal so to irrigate a large fertile plain. Later the same year of land which could be supplied with water from the electricity to the Argyle Diamond Mine and the towns that the EIA could be committed. In early 2002 the an agricultural research station, approximately five diversion dam. Kununurra, a new regional centre, of Kununurra and Wyndham. The project involved Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approved hectares in size, was established in the area by the had also been established in the East Kimberley to raising the base of the spillway six metres to provide the development of the Weaber Plains, Knox Creek Western Australian Government. Over the next service the agricultural development and the local additional storage and water pressure to increase and Keep River M2 areas (collectively known as four years, the Western Australian Government Indigenous communities. electricity production. the Stage 2 M2 area), subject to completing plans conducted more detailed investigations of dam sites, With the diversion dam operating at capacity, By the mid 1990s, serious consideration was also detailing how possible impacts of the development access roads, soil types and topography. the Australian Government agreed to support a being given to the expansion of agricultural land near were to be managed.
Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 44 Appendix 2 – Agricultural production in the Ord continued
In December 2003, after almost 10 years of court water allocation plan in December 2006. The plan Competitive advantages common in the M1 area and are successfully cropped. cases and negotiation, the Miriuwung and Gajerrong established a secure and reliable water allocation Agriculture in Kununurra has some distinct seasonal The Cununurra clay soils are mostly neutral to mildly people reached agreement about where native title to underpin irrigation expansion in the district. advantages. Due to the warm tropical climate, alkaline. They are suitable for most crops currently existed on their traditional country. These native Water available for irrigation was maximised while summer crops are produced during the winter grown in the M1 area. They are not suitable for title rights arose from the Miriuwung and Gajerrong incorporating the modern standards required for months. This presents a distinct market advantage paddy rice production as their porosity can lead to people’s significant connection to country. environmental flows, and the legal provisions of for some horticultural crops. Being in the southern unacceptable accession to the groundwater. current power supply agreements. Further negotiations followed before the Western hemisphere, the region is also counter-seasonal The Aquitaine clays have higher clay content and Australian Government reached an agreement, the With renewed commitment to developing the East for many of the tropical crops (citrus and fruits) while they can be very productive, require careful Ord Final Agreement (OFA), with the traditional Kimberley Region, in 2008 the Western Australian grown in the larger production area of the northern management and irrigation practice. They are owners, the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people, to Government committed to build on the Ord Final hemisphere. The main growing months from May to liable to set hard and become blocky. Seedbed compulsorily acquire their native title rights and Agreement, the EPA approval and the Ord River September are mostly rain free, reducing the risk of preparation often involves pre-irrigation to soften the make way for the expansion of irrigated agriculture water management plan and fund the expansion of rain damage and lowering disease pressures. soil structure. Aquitaines in the northern part of the (October, 2005). The OFA acknowledged that irrigation infrastructure and release 8,000 hectares The region is relatively free of major pests and Weaber Plains are known to have high salt content previous developments since the 1960’s had the of Weaber Plains land in 2011. The Australian diseases encountered in other parts of Australia at depth and irrigation must be carefully planned effect of extinguishing native title rights and Government also agreed to partner with the State and the world, in particular Mediterranean and to prevent water seepage and subsequent interests of the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people Government to realise the vision of a major regional Queensland fruit fly. This status has long been water table elevation. and that the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people had centre in the East Kimberley. recognised by local producers who have been not been compensated for the extinguishment, nor Current agricultural practises Department of Agriculture and Food statistics instrumental in helping the Department of for the other effects of the developments on them. reveal the productive potential of the region. In the Agriculture and Food develop a regional biosecurity The current area of the ORIA is approximately 14,000 The OFA was a means to address the effects of the 2007/08 season, the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) plan to reduce the risk of incursions. hectares of mostly black Cununurra clays under past that would allow the Miriuwung and Gajerrong produced in excess of $95 million in production with furrow irrigation. There are small areas of lighter soils people to secure an economic base and the ability Soil types horticultural crops and tropical forestry contributing and also some drip and sprinkler irrigation. to participate in the local economy and future the largest components. The value and quantity The soils of the Stage 2 M2 area are 30% Cununurra developments. of irrigated farm activity is poised to increase clays and 70% Aquitaine clays (see Figure 15, Soil The Department of Water completed the Ord River significantly with the release of the new land in 2011. Types of the Weaber Plains). Both soil types are
Page 45 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan WEABER PLAIN SOILS OF THE WEABER PLAIN LAND RESOURCE MAP No. 19 WESTERN AUSTRALIA Jim Dixon 0 m E 5 0 ’ E 4 7 ’ E E 0 m E Agriculture Western Australia 1 2 8 5 0 1 2 8 1 2 9 4 9 0 4 8 5 4 9 5 4 8 0
15 22’30"S 15 22’30"S 8300000mN 8300000mN Legend
Creek WEABER 1 Cracking clays (Cununurra normal phase); relatively uniform Cockatoo Land System RANGE over large areas of broad plains; minor inclusions of B/s Cununurra wetter, darker and browner phases and some variation in topsoil pH. Vegetation variable, but mostly open. 2a Red-brown earths (Bonaparte normal phase); occurs as ’islands’ in broad cracking clay plains; low eucalypt 8a woodlands. Gum 5c 2b Red-brown earths with sandy topsoils (Bonaparte sandy- Creek surfaced phase); occurs in association with land unit 2a as 5b 5c ’islands’ in broad cracking clay pans; variable tall wood- 4d 5c land or open forest. 7a 2c 2c Red earths with sandy topsoils (Weaber normal phase); Melon 4d 1 occurs as ’islands’ in broad cracking clay pans; eucalypt 8b 4c woodland. 1 2d Red earths with abundant gravel throughout (Weaber gravelly phase); occurs on raised, linear, old stream-bed areas; 1 non arable; sources of gravel. Eucalypt woodland. 5c 4a Cracking clays (Cununurra) in large depressions, various 7b 7b non-cracking soils (Bonaparte, Benton, Walyara) on large intervening shelfs; occurs in association with other ’2’, ’3’ 5a 5b 7a and ’4’ land units within broad clay plains or adjoining 7a stream frontage areas; depressions inundated seasonally; 1 2b variable vegetation. 4c 5c 4b Cracking clays (Cununurra) in medium-sized depressions, 8a 5c 8b 1 Cockatoo Land System 4c various other soils (Keep, Benton) on medium-sized inter- 7a vening shelfs and mounds; occurs in association with other 8b 1 AB ’2’, ’3’ and ’4’ land units within broad clay plains or 5c 1 adjoining stream frontage areas; depressions inundated 8a 4e 7b 1 4b seasonally; variable vegetation. 4c 4c Brownish cracking clays with carbonate nodules and high 2c 1 pH topsoils (Keep normal phase, minor Cununurra) mainly B/s 5a 4b 1 B O R D E on gilgai mounds, other cracking clays (Cununurra) in some 5a depressions; occurs within broad clay plains, sometimes in 2c 4b association with other ’2’, ’3’ and ’4’ land units or adjoining 295 4b 4b 295 4c 4b stream frontage areas; gilgai depressions inundated sea- 4b sonally; usually treeless. 6d 5b 4a 2d 8 B/s 4b 4d 4d Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Cununurra 4b wetter phase, Mottled clays) in depressions, cracking clay 6d 2c 2d intergrades (Milligan) on broad shelfs; occurs in seasonally 5b 4c swampy areas at the junction between broad clay plains and 5b 2c 4c sandy or lateritic land systems, but only depressions are 6d 5at 4c 5bt inundated; Eucalyptus papuana open woodland. 4c 8a
5c 4e Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes and high top-
S G N I R P S soil pH (Keep flooded phase); strongly gilgaied; occurs in 4b 2b 6 seasonally swampy areas but only gilgai depressions are 4c 8 5b 4c 4c inundated; dense woodland.
6d 8 2b
T N I O P 1 6a 8 5a Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Aquitaine 6 CX CW
’blueish’ phase, minor Keep flooded phase); occurs in O WEABER PLAIN T 5a SOILS OF THE4d 2bWEABER PLAIN broad low-lying areas, usually where the clay plains adjoin 4c 8b 5b sandy or lateritic land systems; seasonally inundated to LAND RESOURCE MAP No. 19 8a WEABER PLAIN 1 8a 4c DJ 4d
6 SOILS OF THE WEABER PLAIN4a T E R I O Y moderate depths for long periods; thick Eucalyptus micro- 5c LAND RESOURCE MAP No. 19 9c WESTERN AUSTRALIA theca/Excoecaria parvifolia woodland. 5b WESTERNSoilsAUSTRALIA of the Weaber Plain Western Australia 5b 8b Cc 5at As above, but vegetation dominated by species other than 9c 9c 8a Eucalyptus microtheca and excoecaria parvifolia. 9a Jim Dixon 5c 0 m E Jim Dixon, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia 5 0 ’ E 4 7 ’ E E 0 m E 8 9c 6 Jim Dixon 5at 0 m E Agriculture Western Australia
5 0 ’ E 5b Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Aquitaine 1 2 8 4 7 ’ E E 5 0 1 2 8 1 2 9 0 m E 4 9 0 4 8 5 4 9 5 4 8 0 FOLLY ROCK 5c Agriculture Western AustraliaN O R T H E ’greyish’ phase); occurs in broad low-lying areas of the 1 2 8 5 0 1 2 8 5a 15 22’30"S 1 2 9 15 22’30"S clay plains, often near land unit 5a; seasonally inundated to
4 9 0 1 4 8 5 4 9 5 4 8 0 2a 8 000mN 6 8 000mN Legend 300 6 Cockatoo Land System 300 shallow depths for short periods; open Eucalyptus micro- 1 8a theca/excoecaria parvifolia woodland. 15 22’30"S 4a Creek WEABER 15 22’30"S 1 CrackingLegend clays (Cununurra normal phase); relatively uniform 8b Cockatoo8Land System RANGE over large areas of broad plains; minor inclusions of 9c ROAD B/s 8300000mN EC 5b 8a 8300000mN Cununurra wetter, darker and browner phases andLegend some 5bt As above, but vegetation dominated by species other than 5b DU variation in topsoil pH. Vegetation variable, but mostly open. Eucalyptus microtheca and excoecaria parvifolia. 5bt 9c 2a Red-brown earths (Bonaparte normal phase); occurs as ’islands’ in broad cracking clay plains; low eucalypt Creek STATION 8a WEABER woodlands. 1 Cracking1 clays (Cununurra normal phase); relatively uniform 5c Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Aquitaine 2a Gum 5c 8aCockatoo Land System RANGE over large areas of broad plains; minor inclusions of ’blueish’ phase) with ’debil-debil’ micro-relief and inclusions 5b 9c 5b 2b Red-brown earths with sandy topsoils (Bonaparte sandy- 9c 6 Creek B/s surfaced phase); occurs inC associationununurra with wetter,land unit 2a darker as and browner phases and some of stone and rock; occurs in depressed linear zones mar- 4a 5b 5c ’islands’ in broad cracking clay pans; variable tall wood- 4d NE 1 5c land or open forest. variation in topsoil pH. Vegetation variable, but mostly open. ginal to land unit 5a and immediately adjacent to sandy or 7a 2c 4b Cockatoo Land System 2c Red earths with sandy topsoils (Weaber normal phase); lateritic sand systems; seasonally inundated to significant 6 Melon 4d 1 6 occurs as ’islands’2a in broadR crackinged-brown clay pans; earths eucalypt (Bonaparte normal phase); occurs as 4c LEGU 8b 4c depths for long periods; treeless. 5b 6 - woodland. 4a 4b 9c 9b ’islands’ in broad cracking clay plains; low eucalypt 8a 1 2d Red earths with abundant wgraveloodlands. throughout (Weaber gravelly 5d Cracking clays with reduced internal drainage capacity Gum 4b 5c phase); occurs on raised, linear, old stream-bed areas; 9a 4a 1 non arable; sources of gravel. Eucalypt woodland. 290 (Cununurra wetter phase); occurs within broad cracking 290 5c 2b Red-brown earths with sandy topsoils (Bonaparte sandy- 5c 5c 4a Cracking clays (Cununurra) in large depressions, various clay plains; seasonally waterlogged; usually treeless. 4b 7b 7b 8a Creek 4b 1 KUNUNURRA CH CG non-cracking soils (Bonaparte,surfaced Benton, Walyara) phase); on large occurs in association with land unit 2a as 6 5b 5b Creek intervening shelfs; occurs in association with other ’2’, ’3’ 5a 5c ’islands’ in broad cracking clay pans; variable tall wood- 6 Small steep hills and outcrops of sandstone and other rock 8a 5b 4d 7a and ’4’ land units within broad clay plains or adjoining 8a 5c 7a stream frontage areas; depressionsland or inundated open forest.seasonally; types in a matrix of stony cracking clay; random occurrence, 5c 1 2b variable vegetation. 5b 2c 4c 1 5c 7a vegetation varied. 4b Cracking clays (Cununurra) in medium-sized depressions, 8a 5c 8b 1 2c Red earths with sandy topsoils (Weaber normal phase); Cockatoo9c LandMSystemelon 4c various other soils (Keep, Benton) on medium-sized inter- 8 7a 4d 1 1 vening shelfs and mounds;o ccursoccurs in asassociation ’islands’ with other in broad cracking clay pans; eucalypt 6a Greater than 50% silicified sandstone in clay matrix. 8b 8b AB 4c ’2’, ’3’ and ’4’ land units withinwoodland. broad clay plains or 6 5c adjoining stream frontage areas; depressions inundated 1 HILLS A U S T R L I 8a 4e 7b 1 4b seasonally; variable vegetation. 1 4c Red earths with abundant gravel throughout (Weaber gravelly 6d Dolomitic rock outcrops. 8a 4c Brownish cracking2d clays with carbonate nodules and high 2c 5bt 1 pH topsoils (Keep normal pphase,hase); minor Cununurra)occurs onmainly raised, linear, old stream-bed areas; B/s 5a 4b 1 4a B O R D E on gilgai mounds, other cracking clays (Cununurra) in some 6 5a 1 depressions; occurs withinnon broad arable; clay plains, sourcessometimes in of gravel. Eucalypt woodland. 7a Rivers and major creeks with associated steep banks; 2c 4b association with other ’2’, ’3’ and ’4’ land units or adjoining 5a 295 4b 5c 4b 4b 295 frontage vegetation. SORBY 4c 4b stream frontage4a areas; gilgaiCracking depressions clays inundated (Cununurra) sea- in large depressions, various 4b 8 7b 9c 4a AO 4b 7b 8 sonally; usually treeless. 6d 5b 6 4a 2d non-cracking soils (Bonaparte, Benton,W E S T R N Walyara) on large 7b Cracking clays in a severely eroded and truncated condition 8 B/s4c Border 4b 4d 4d Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Cununurra 4b 8a wetter phase, Mottled clays)intervening in depressions, shelfs;cracking clay occurs in association with other ’2’, ’3’ 6d 5bt 5a 2c (Cununurra eroded phase) and other soils bordering the 5bt 5a 2d 7a intergrades (Milligan) on broadand shelfs; ’4’ land occurs units in seasonally within broad clay plains or adjoining 4a 8 5b 5b 4c 1 swampy areas at the junction between broad clay plains and rivers and major creeks; minor levees, point bars and swamps; 6a 5b 2c 4c 5c sandy or lateritic land systems,stream but only frontage depressions areas; are 1 depressions inundated seasonally; 5d 6d 5at 1 7a 4c predominantly Lysiphyllum cuninghamii woodland. 5bt 1 2b inundated; Eucalyptus papuana open woodland. 8a 4c 8a variable vegetation.
9c 5c 8 4c 6a 6 4e Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes and high top-
S G N I R P S 8a 5c soil pH (Keep flooded phase); strongly gilgaied; occurs in 8 Undifferentiated complex of land units 8a and 8b. 6 4a 5c 4b 2b 4b Cracking clays (Cununurra) in medium-sized depressions, 8a 5c 6 8a seasonally swampy areas but only gilgai depressions are Cockatoo Land System 8b 4c 8 5b 1 4c 4c 7b inundated; dense woodland.
4b 6d 8 2b 4c various other soils (Keep, Benton) on medium-sized inter-
T N I O P 1 6a 7a 8 CW 5a Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Aquitaine 8a Complex, depressed peripheral zones adjoining sandy or 5c 6 1 6 CX vening shelfs and mounds; occurs in association with other
8b 8b 8a ’blueish’ phase, minor Keep flooded phase); occurs in O 6 AB T 5a 4d 2b broad low-lying areas, usually’2’, where ’3’ and the clay ’4’ plains land adjoin units within broad clay plains or lateritic land systems; soils very variable but mainly heavy 4c 8b 5b sandy or lateritic land systems; seasonallyC rinundatedeek to clays with sand inclusions; depressions are seasonally 8a 8 5c 1 8a 4c DJ 4d adjoining stream frontage areas; depressions inundated 1 6 4a T E R I O Y 5c 5c 5a moderate depths for long periods; thick Eucalyptus micro- 8a 4e 7b 4b theca/Excoecaria parvifolia woodland. inundated; Eucalyptus microtheca dominated woodland, 5c 9c 5b 9c 1 seasonally; variable vegetation. 5b 4c 8b some Excoecaria parvifolia. 5b 6 8b Cc 5at As above, but vegetation dominated by species other than 1 9c 1 9c 8a Eucalyptus4c microtheca andBrownishexcoecaria parvifolia. cracking clays with carbonate nodules and high 8 5c 9a 2c 8 5bt 8a 8 9c 6 8b Complex zone between unit 8a and sandy land systems; B/s 5at 1 5c 5b Cracking clays with hydromorphicpH topsoils attributes (Aquitaine(Keep normal phase, minor Cununurra) mainly FOLLY ROCK 5c 4b 1
5a N O R T H E ’greyish’ phase); occurs in broad low-lying areas of the 6 B O R D E soils very variable mostly duplex soils; variable woodland 5a on gilgai mounds, other cracking clays (Cununurra) in some 2a 1 clay plains, often near land unit 5a; seasonally inundated to 5a Cockatoo Land System 6 shallow depths for short periods;depressions; open Eucalyptus occurs micro- within broad clay plains, sometimes in with Eucalyptus polycarpa and Eucalyptus microtheca. 6 4b 15 30’S 4a 1 2c 8a theca/excoecaria parvifolia woodland. 15 30’S Cc 8b 8a 8 association with other ’2’, ’3’ and ’4’ land units or adjoining 295 8a 9c ROAD 4b 295 5bt As above, but vegetation dominated by species other than 9a About 40% gradational calcareous clays (Walyara) in a EC DU 5b 4b 4b stream frontage areas; gilgai depressions inundated sea- 5a 6 5b 4c Eucalyptus microtheca and excoecaria parvifolia. matrix of land unit 1a (brownish, cracking clays with finely 4b 5bt 9c Knox STATION 1 5c Cracking clays with hydromorphicsonally; attributes usually (Aquitaine treeless. 2a ’blueish’ phase) with ’debil-debil’ micro-relief and inclusions structured high pH topsoils. Cununurra alkaline phase) 6d 5b RANGES 5b 8a 4a 2d 5b 1 9c 9c 6 of stone and rock; occurs in depressed linear zones mar- 8 B/s 4a 4b 4d 4d Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Cununurra vegetation relatively thick and includes Lysiphyllum 5b 1 ginal to land unit 5a and immediately adjacent to sandy or 4b Cockatoo Land System wetter phase, Mottled clays) in depressions, cracking clay cunninghamii, Carissa lanceolata and occassional eucalypts. 6d 6 4b lateritic sand systems; seasonally inundated to significant 4c LEGUNE 2c 6 depths for long periods; treeless. 5b 6 - intergrades (Milligan) on broad shelfs; occurs in seasonally 4a 4b 9c 9b 2d Cracking clays with reduced internal drainage capacity 9b About 20% gradational calcareous clays (Walyara) in a 5b 4b 4c 5d swampy areas at the junction between broad clay plains and 290 5b 9a 4a 290 (Cununurra wetter phase); occurs within broad cracking matrix of land unit 1a (brownish, cracking clays with finely 5c 5c 2c clay plains; seasonally waterlogged;sandy or usually lateritic treeless. land systems, but only depressions are 5at PINC4bOMBE 8a 4b 1 KUNUNURRA CH CG 4c 4c structured high pH topsoils. Cununurra alkaline phase) 6d 6 5b Creek 6 Small steep hills and outcropsinundated; of sandstone andEucalyptus other rock papuana open woodland. 5bt 8a 8 5c 5a types in a matrix of stony cracking clay; random occurrence, vegetation includes Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and Carissa 5c 8a 4c 8a 5b 5c 1 vegetation 4varied.e Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes and high top-
8 000mN Cc 9c 8 000mN lanceolata.
S G N I R P 285 5c 5a S 8 285 5c 6a Greater than 50% silicifiedsoil sandstone pH (Keepin clay matrix. flooded phase); strongly gilgaied; occurs in 6 4b 2b HILLS A U S T R L I 9c Brownish cracking clays with finely structured high pH 6d Dolomitic rock outcrops. seasonally swampy areas but only gilgai depressions are 6 8a 4c 8 5b 4c 4c 5bt inundated; dense woodland. topsoils (Cununurra alkaline phase) and intergrades with 8 4a
6d 6 2b 7a Rivers and major creeks with associated steep banks; Walyara soils; about 2% gradational calcareous clays
T N I O P 4b 1 frontage vegetation. 15 31’S 6a 5a SORBY 8 8 CX CW 5a Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Aquitaine (Walyara); vegetation includes Lysiphyllum cunninghamii 6 9c 4a AO 4b 8 6 W E S T R N 7b Cracking clays in a severely eroded and truncated condition
4c Border 8a ’blueish’ phase, minor Keep flooded phase); occurs in and Carissa lanceolata. O T (Cununurra eroded phase) and other soils bordering the 5b 5bt 5a 4d 2b E 5a 5bt 8 rivers and major creeks; minorbroad levees, low-lying point bars and areas, swamps; usually where the clay plains adjoin 4a 6a 1 1 4c 5d 1 8b 5c predominantly Lysiphyllum cuninghamii woodland. B/s Billabongs or swamps. 0 m E
5b sandy or lateritic land systems; seasonally1 2 9 inundated to 8a 8a 6 DJ
9c 0 m E 1 8a 4c 8 8a 6a 4d 8 Undifferentiated complex of land units 8a and 8b. 5c 4a T E R I O Y 6 6 4a moderate depths for long periods; thick Eucalyptus micro- 5c 5c 8a 7b
4 8 5 4b
4 9 0 theca/Excoecaria parvifolia woodland. Cc Cockatoo Land System 9c 5c 6 4 9 5 8a Complex, depressed peripheral zones adjoining sandy or 5b 6 8b 8a 5 0 6 lateritic land systems; soils very variable but mainly heavy 8 8b Creek Cc clays with sand5at inclusions;As depressions above, are but seasonally vegetation dominated by species other than 5b 8 6 5c 5a inundated; Eucalyptus microtheca dominated woodland, 5c 9c 9c 5b 9c 8a 8b some Excoecaria parvifolia.Eucalyptus microtheca and excoecaria parvifolia. 9a 1 6 1 5c 8 8 Soil map unit boundary Cockatoo Land System 8 8 9c 6 8 5bt 8a 5c 8b Complex zone between unit 8a and sandy land systems; 5at 6 soils very variable5b mostly duplexCracking soils; variable clays woodland with hydromorphic attributes (Aquitaine FOLLY ROCK 5c with Eucalyptus polycarpa and Eucalyptus microtheca. 15 30’S N O R T H E 15 30’S ’greyish’ phase); occurs in broad low-lying areas of the Unsealed road 5a Cc 8a 5a 1 9a About 40% gradational calcareousclay plains, clays (Walyara) often in anear land unit 5a; seasonally inundated to 2a 5a 6 matrix of land unit 1a (brownish, cracking clays with finely 6 Knox River/stream Cockatoo Land System Location diagram structured high pH topsoils.s hallow Cununurra depths alkaline phase) for short periods; open Eucalyptus micro- 6 RANGES 1 vegetation relatively thick and includes Lysiphyllum 1 5b 8a theca/excoecaria parvifolia woodland. 4a cunninghamii, Carissa lanceolata and occassional eucalypts. Contours (20m interval) 15 32’S 8b 5b 15 32’S 8 8a 9c ROAD 9b About 20%5bt gradational calcareousAs above, clays (Walyara) but vegetation in a dominated by species other than EC DU 5b 5c Reference matrix of land unit 1a (brownish, cracking clays with finely 5b PINCOMBE structured high pH topsoils.Eucalyptus Cununurra alkaline microtheca phase) and excoecaria parvifolia. 5bt 5a 1b 8 5c 9c 5a vegetation includes Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and Carissa Areal scale Area of Projection: lanceolata. Universal Transverse Mercator 8285000mN Cc 5c 5a STATION 1 8285000mN 5c Cracking clays with hydromorphic attributes (Aquitaine 2a 5c survey Bibliographic reference 5a Grid: 9c Brownish cracking claysAMG with’blueish’ finelyzone structured 52 phase) high pH with ’debil-debil’ micro-relief and inclusions 5b 8a 5b topsoils (Cununurra alkaline phase) and intergrades with Dixon, J.C. "Soils of the Weaber Plain Western Australia" 9c Walyara soils; about 2% gradational calcareous clays 9c 6 15 31’S Source data: Fieldof surveystone and and rock; interpretation occurs in of depressed linear zones mar- 4a (Walyara); vegetation includes Lysiphyllum cunninghamii (Scale 1:50,000) Land Resource Map No. 19. To accompany 1 and Carissa lanceolata.aerialginal photography. to land unit 5a and immediately adjacent to sandy or technical report. 5b E 4b Cockatoo Land System B/s Billabongs or swamps. lateritic sand systems; seasonally inundated to significant 0 m E 6 1 2 9 4c LEGUNE 6 0 m E depths for long periods; treeless. 4 7 ’ E 5b 6 5 0 ’ E 5c- 4 8 5
0 m E Acknowledgements 4 9 0 Cc Cockatoo Land System 4a 4 9 5 4b 9c 9b 5 0 6 Western 5d Cracking clays with reduced internal drainage capacity 1 2 8 4b 1 2 8 8 6 Use of map Soil survey by J.C. Dixon, Natural Resources Assessment Group,
9a 4 8 0 4a 8 N (Cununurra wetter phase); occurs within broad cracking 290 Cockatoo Land System 8 290 Soil map unit boundary Agriculture Western Australia. Digital topographic base supplied 5c 5c Australia This map is designed for useclay at theplains; published seasonally scale. waterlogged; Technical usually treeless. 4b Unsealed road by the Department of Land Administration. Map prepared by 8a 4b 1 KUNUNURR5aA CH CG queries should be directed to Natural Resources Assessment 6 200 ha in units of 25 ha 5b Creek Location diagram River/stream6 Small steep hills and outcrops of sandstone and other rock P.M. Goulding, Agriculture Western Australia. 8a Group, Agriculture Western Australia. Contours (20m interval) types in a matrix of stony cracking clay; random occurrence, 5c 8a 15 32’S 5b 15 32’S 5b 1 5c Reference vegetation varied. 5a Perth 9c 1b Areal scale Area of Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator 8 Bibliographic reference 5a survey Grid: AMG zone 52 6a Greater than 50% silicified sandstone in clay matrix. Scale 1:50,000 Dixon, J.C. "Soils of the Weaber Plain Western Australia" Source data: Field survey and interpretation of 6 (Scale 1:50,000) Land Resource Map No. 19. To accompany HILLS aerial photography. A U S T R L I technical report. 1000m 0 1 2 3 4km 6d Dolomitic rock outcrops. 4 7 ’ E 8a 5 0 ’ E 0 m E Western 5bt Acknowledgements 1996 1 2 8 1 2 8 Use of map Soil survey by J.C. Dixon, Natural Resources Assessment Group, AgricultureWESTERN AUSTRALIA 4a 4 8 0 N C Agriculture Western Australia. Digital topographic base supplied 6 This map is designed for use at the published scale. Technical 7a Rivers and major creeks with associated steep banks; Australia by the Department of Land Administration. Map prepared by 4b 200 ha in units of 25 ha queries should be directed to Natural Resources Assessment frontage vegetation. 5a SORBY P.M. Goulding, Agriculture Western Australia. 8 Group, Agriculture Western Australia. 9c 4a AO 4b 8 6 Perth W E S T R N 7b Cracking clays in a severely eroded and truncated condition 4c Border Scale 1:50,000 8a 5bt 5a (Cununurra eroded phase) and other soils bordering the 5bt 8 1000m 0 1 2 3 4km rivers and major creeks; minor levees, point bars and swamps; 4a Figure 156a: Soil Types of the Weaber Plains 1 1 1 5c Agriculture 1996 5d predominantly LysiphyllumWESTERN AUSTRALIA cuninghamiiC woodland. 9c 8a 6 8 8a 6a 8 Undifferentiated complex of land units 8a and 8b. 6 4a 5c 8a 7b 4b 5c 6 8a Complex, depressed peripheral zones adjoining sandyOrd-East or Kimberley Development Plan | Page 46 6 8b 8a lateritic land systems; soils very variable but mainly heavy 8 Creek clays with sand inclusions; depressions are seasonally 5c 5a inundated; Eucalyptus microtheca dominated woodland, 5c 9c 5b 8b some Excoecaria parvifolia. 1 6 1 8 8 5bt 8a 5c 8b Complex zone between unit 8a and sandy land systems; 6 soils very variable mostly duplex soils; variable woodland with Eucalyptus polycarpa and Eucalyptus microtheca. 15 30’S 15 30’S Cc 8a 9a About 40% gradational calcareous clays (Walyara) in a 5a 6 matrix of land unit 1a (brownish, cracking clays with finely Knox structured high pH topsoils. Cununurra alkaline phase) RANGES 1 vegetation relatively thick and includes Lysiphyllum 5b cunninghamii, Carissa lanceolata and occassional eucalypts. 9b About 20% gradational calcareous clays (Walyara) in a matrix of land unit 1a (brownish, cracking clays with finely PINCOMBE structured high pH topsoils. Cununurra alkaline phase) 8 5c 5a vegetation includes Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and Carissa 8285000mN Cc 5c 5a 8285000mN lanceolata. 5c 9c Brownish cracking clays with finely structured high pH topsoils (Cununurra alkaline phase) and intergrades with Walyara soils; about 2% gradational calcareous clays 15 31’S (Walyara); vegetation includes Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and Carissa lanceolata. 5b E B/s Billabongs or swamps. 0 m E 1 2 9 0 m E 5c 4 8 5
4 9 0 Cc Cockatoo Land System 4 9 5 5 0 6 8 6 8 Cockatoo Land System 8 Soil map unit boundary
5a Unsealed road Location diagram River/stream Contours (20m interval) 15 32’S 5b 15 32’S 5c Reference 5a 1b Areal scale Area of Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Bibliographic reference 5a survey Grid: AMG zone 52 Dixon, J.C. "Soils of the Weaber Plain Western Australia" Source data: Field survey and interpretation of (Scale 1:50,000) Land Resource Map No. 19. To accompany aerial photography. technical report. 4 7 ’ E 5 0 ’ E 0 m E Western Acknowledgements 1 2 8 1 2 8 Use of map Soil survey by J.C. Dixon, Natural Resources Assessment Group,
4 8 0 N Agriculture Western Australia. Digital topographic base supplied This map is designed for use at the published scale. Technical Australia by the Department of Land Administration. Map prepared by queries should be directed to Natural Resources Assessment 200 ha in units of 25 ha P.M. Goulding, Agriculture Western Australia. Group, Agriculture Western Australia. Perth Scale 1:50,000 1000m 0 1 2 3 4km Agriculture 1996 WESTERN AUSTRALIA C Appendix 2 – Agricultural production in the Ord continued
In the past, a number of agricultural crops have been In free-trading global markets, economy of scale Most is exported to the United States at a price rockmelons, mangoes, honeydew, water melon and grown, including rice, cotton and sugar, however for is required for agricultural production to remain to growers of around $2,400/tonne. pumpkins. Figure 17 shows the break up in areas of a number of reasons these crops do not dominate competitive. It is also apparent that high value crops the crops since 2002. Note the demise of sugar cane The other significant change in land use in the the landscape now. Low prices and insecticide are required in the ORIA to overcome the high costs when the mill closed in 2007. ORIA in recent years is the introduction of forestry, resistance, amongst other things, resulted in the of land and freight to market. particularly sandalwood. Figure 16 shows the level The recent increase in land demand has been driven demise of broadacre rice and cotton. Sugar cane Emerging trends and opportunities of land use change from agriculture to forestry since mainly by the growth in the sandalwood industry. production established in 1995 ended in 2007 when 2002, with projections to 2011/12. The first commercial harvest is anticipated to the returns fell below highly intensive horticulture A new emerging crop is chia (Salvia hispanica) which be in 2013 from initial plantings in 2000. and sandalwood plantations. The scale of production is attractive to consumers because of the healthy oil Agriculture in the graph below comprises field relative to the capacity of the mill used for sugar profile of its seed. Around 1,500 hectares of chia was crops such as chick peas, hybrid seeds (mostly cane was inadequate for it to remain viable. planted in 2009, 50% more than in 2008. sorghum) and horticulture crops; red flesh grapefruit,
Projected Areas of Agriculture & Forestry in the ORIA - Stage 1 ProjectedAreas of selected Areas of crops Agriculture & Forestry in the ORIA - Stage 1 Agriculture Forestry 14000 Agriculture Other Forestry 10000 10000 12000 Sandalwood Citrus 8000 100008000 Bananas 6000 60008000 Mangoes 6000 Pumpkins (all) Hectares Hectares 4000 4000 4000 Melons (all) 2000 2000 2000 Hybrid Seed Chick Peas 0 0 Sugar Cane 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 02/03 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 02/03 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 03/04 04/05 03/04 04/05 Year Year Year Figure 16: Land use change 2002 - 2011 (predicted) Figure 17: Graph showing areas of selected crops.
Page 47 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan Sandalwood products have been traded for There is growing national demand for fresh fruit and There are growing opportunities in the world export The sugar cane crop was last harvested in 2007 thousands of years. Sandalwood oil is used in vegetables, due to increased affluence and health markets for fresh fruit and vegetables and the ORIA and all the area formerly under cane has now been perfumes, cosmetics and therapeutic goods. The consciousness. Horticultural producers in the ORIA is well placed to supply some of the more densely allocated to other higher value land uses, mainly wood is used in incense, furniture and woodcrafts. are receiving up to 40 per cent price premiums populated Asian countries with quality produce. tropical forestry (Figure 19). The mix of crops that will in the Perth market for off-season fresh produce eventually be grown in the 8,000 hectare expansion India has traditionally been the main producer and Value of irrigated farm activity (Figure 18). Premiums tend to decline with increased will be based on the projected returns for each crop exporter of sandalwood oil. However due to over off-season supply. The value of irrigated farm activity has increased that have shown volatility between years. However, exploitation of the resource, the Indian Government over the last seven years. The annual value of given the right market conditions and emerging new has limited exports by introducing an annual quota. production has fluctuated as a result of planting 50 technology, the Department of Agriculture and Food Australia supplies around 40% of the world’s areas of perennial tree crops (mangoes and red 40 expects cotton, rice, chia, tropical forestry, intensive sandalwood from harvested native plants. The main fleshed grapefruit) that may take 3-5 years before 30 horticulture and mangoes to be part of the mix. Three importers are the United States and France with the first harvest. 20 additional demand from Chinese Taipei and India. 10 Graph 1. Trends in Crop Values in the ORIA The limited information on sandalwood products % 120.0 Other indicates price is highly reactive to availability. -10 Sandalwood The United States import price for oil was $1,200 -20 100.0 Citrus per kg in 2008 and it is predicted to remain high -30 80.0 Bananas until 2012 due to limited world supply. The price -40 Mangoes 60.0 is projected to fall to around $300 per kg as new 2002 2004 2006 2008 Pumpkins (all) supplies reach the world market from the ORIA -03 -05 -07 -09 40.0 Melons (all) $ million and other producing regions. Hybrid Seed paw paw mango 20.0 Chickpeas The other significant land use in the ORIA is honeydew grapefruit 0.0 Sugar Cane horticulture. Horticultural opportunities have rockmelon also bolstered the demand for land over the last 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 five years. Figure 18: Premiums for selected ORIA horticulture Figure 19: Trends in crop values Year products in Perth Market ABARE conference paper 09.6. Kununurra Regional Outlook Conference. Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan | Page 48 Appendix 2 – Agricultural production in the Ord continued
possible cropping mixes for the additional 8,000 of the potential expansion in other sectors from The release of the Weaber Plains agricultural lots in paddies. Although much of the earlier nutritional hectares are presented in Table 4. This provides some increases in agricultural production2. will provide additional land to meet demand. and agronomic findings remain valid, changing indication of the total value that the 8,000 hectares The types of crops grown will depend on the technology and environmental conditions (including Increasing the scale of production in the ORIA will will contribute to the economy. Table 4 indicates market signals at the time. climate change) may require reassessment of also lead to the development of agribusiness clusters that there could be significant returns added to the previous trials. including input suppliers, machinery dealerships, Past & current agriculture research current 14,000 hectares under production. Previous contracting services and the downstream The Department of Agriculture and Food has work undertaken by the Department of Agriculture Extensive research underpins the ORIA’s current processing of agricultural products. These business produced a comprehensive guide to the soils of and Food in 2002 indicated the multipliers from cropping industries. With the advent of the first clusters will also generate employment in off-farm the ORIA. Ord SOILpak is a valuable resource and horticultural production were 2.22 for output, 2.79 genetically modified (GM) varieties of cotton in 1996 business during the construction phase leading to covers the diagnosis of soil conditions and practical for income, 1.791 for employment and 2.16 for value- came a renewed interest in this crop, and a period of establishment. soil management. adding. These multipliers provide an indication intense research led to the development of guidelines for the production and management of GM cotton. There is wide support for the concept of a Centre Table 4: Possible cropping mixes and anticipated returns (based on 2008 figures) for the 8,000 hectares of new land. Cotton has been shown to be a viable crop for the of Excellence in tropical agricultural research. The Crop Crop Revenue ($/ha) Mix 1 (ha) Mix 2 (ha) Mix 3 (ha) ORIA, producing yields consistent with Australian facilities available at the Frank Wise Institute in
Cotton 5,000 0 6000 6500 averages, themselves the highest in the world. Kununurra include modern office accommodation Varieties have been identified which deliver good with high speed data systems, excellent conferencing Rice 4,500 2000 0 0 fibre quality, and cotton is now a genuine option for facilities and 400 hectares of developed and Chia 4,000 2000 0 1000 the ORIA. irrigated black soil. The Department of Agriculture and Food also owns a 140 hectare Cockatoo Sands Forestry 13,842 2000 1000 0 Like cotton, the fundamental settings for many block that will be developed to support agricultural Mangoes 30,000 0 1000 500 crops have significantly changed since research research in the near future. The research station began on the ORIA. Rice, which was grown between Horticulture 10,000 2000 0 0 operates as a self-contained farming operation 1973 and 1983 using a paddy system, may be a crop and can provide a high level of support for field with a future in the ORIA, but based on completely experiments. TOTAL REVENUE FROM MIX ($ MILLION) 54.7 73.8 51.5 new varieties and grown aerobically rather than
1For example, if there is an increase in demand for horticulture products then there is an increase in 179 jobs in horticulture. One hundred will be in 2 Page 49 | Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan growing but 79 jobs will be outside the horticulture industry. N. Islam (DAFWA) & P. Johnson (Prime Research WA) Multimedia presentation
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