- $77.1 million investment to upgrade the M1 Channel to expand irrigated agriculture in the East Kimberley
- Improved water supply will underpin new farmland in the Ord's Knox Plain
The McGowan Government today announced $77.1 million for vital water infrastructure upgrades in the Ord to drive agricultural expansion in the State's north.
The critical upgrades, which include widening of the Main Water Supply (M1) Channel, will support the supply of water from Lake Argyle to the 5,600-hectare Knox Plain development.
Knox Plain is part of the Ord Development Agreement with Kimberley Agricultural Investment Pty Ltd (KAI) and follows the successful development of the Goomig farmlands area.
This infrastructure project is a key component of the Knox development which will deliver Native Title benefits as negotiated by the Miriuwung Gajerrong peoples under the Ord Final Agreement.
The works will be delivered by the Water Corporation, with ramping up of water supply to full delivery requirement for Knox of 570 megalitres per day by 2027.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"It is exciting to see sustainable agricultural progress in the Ord, which is supporting irrigated crops, paving the way for new industries and providing genuine employment opportunities.
"This funding commitment from the McGowan Government will enable and leverage significant private investment in agricultural development in the north, including an estimated $140 million expected to be invested into Knox Plain.
"This new farmland area is also set to play an important role in the region's burgeoning cotton industry, backed by local growers and Traditional Owners."
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"Full water supply for Knox Plain cannot be achieved without the upgrade of the M1 Channel.
"The upgrade solution to widen the channel is the most cost effective and fastest to deliver and can be staged to ensure required water volumes are available to the Knox as required."
