- Kimberley Cotton Company's cotton gin in Kununurra taking shape
- Cook Government investment in industry development coming to fruition
- Cotton gin expected to deliver a $250 million economic benefit to the region
The Cook Government is supporting economic development in the East Kimberley, with the foundations laid and construction underway on a high-tech processing facility that will underpin a sustainable cotton industry for the Ord River Irrigation Area.
Premier Roger Cook and Regional Development Minister Don Punch inspected the progress of the Kimberley Cotton Company's cotton gin in Kununurra today.
With work on the foundation of the multi-user facility complete and cladding on the steel frame set to commence shortly, construction of the project is on track for completion in time for the start of harvest in mid-2025.
The construction program has created more than 30 jobs, while the gin is expected to generate more than 40 new local jobs once fully operational, in addition to broader supply chain employment opportunities.
The cotton gin will initially have capacity to process up to 110,000 bales per year, with plans to eventually double that capacity.
The project is expected to deliver a $250 million boost to the local economy through the supply chain, driving economic growth and employment opportunities.
The State Government has been instrumental in laying the foundations for the success of this long-term development. This includes investing $4 million to upgrade electricity infrastructure, providing land, and facilitating approvals for the cotton gin which will be serviced by 100 per cent renewable, reliable, zero emission hydroelectric power sourced from Lake Argyle.
The Cook Government has also provided a $5 million grant to Kimberley Cotton Company through the Investment Attraction Fund, which helped the company to secure a $34 million loan through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.
Preparatory works to cultivate cotton on the 5400-hectare Knox farmland is underway by Kimberley Agricultural Investment in partnership with Keep Farming, with initial plantings expected next year.
A $77 million State Government investment to widen the main water supply channel to supply water from Lake Argyle to Knox is also being progressed by Water Corporation.
This new farmland area is set to play an important role in building scale for cotton production and processing in the region, backed by local growers and Traditional Owners.
The opportunity to use cotton seed as a livestock feed is also being explored by northern pastoralists, growers and the Kimberley Cotton Company, facilitated by the Western Australian Government and the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My Government is committed to supporting industry development in our State's north and helping this unique region achieve its potential.
"It is terrific to see first-hand the progress of cotton gin building works and gain an insight into how this exciting initiative will contribute to the development of a sustainable cotton industry.
"Our Government's substantial investment in the Ord is starting to come to fruition, launching a new era of cotton production that will drive enduring economic and social benefits throughout the region."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Cook Government has been working alongside industry and Traditional Owners to realise this bold initiative to build a strong, sustainable cotton industry from the ground up.
"This sustainable development meets the credentials expected by today's international customers, including a renewable energy source and the potential value adding opportunities for cotton fodder."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"It is exciting to see this sustainable development taking shape in the East Kimberley paving the way for new industries, genuine employment opportunities and economic benefits for the region.
"This is the largest agricultural project in WA's north, and a fantastic example of collaboration between government, local agricultural businesses and the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, who are a proud partner in the Ord agricultural industry."
