Construction begins on $220m Ord Expansion Project

The State Government’s transformation of the State’s North-West took another step forward today with the start of work to build 22 new agricultural lots as part of the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project. The first phase of works on the Weaber Plains area will involve construction of 19km of irrigation channel, 14km of road extension, and irrigation control structures.

Premier Colin Barnett and Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls visited Kununurra to mark the event with representatives of the successful contractor, the Moonamang Joint Venture between Leighton Contractors Pty. Ltd. and Indigenous Business Australia.

The Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project will increase the Ord irrigation area from 14,000ha to 22,000ha, and is expected to yield 22 new agricultural lots. The project is being funded by the State Government through the Royalties for Regions program. complemented by a $195million East Kimberley Development Package of community infrastructure and services works funded by the Federal Government.