$50m boost for Ord expansion

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls views the Ord River region from a helicopter.

A joint venture between Leighton Holdings and Indigenous Business Australia has won a $50 million contract to roll out the first stage of the State Government's $220 million Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project.

The cash will be used to construct 19km of irrigation channels, a 13km road extension and irrigation control structures and for the implementation of indigenous and local employment and business programs as part of the Ord River stage two project.

"Not only is it the most important project in the overall development of Australia's north, it is the first time we have seen the Commonwealth and State come together on a major project that will have in parallel the economic development of the agriculture infrastructure and social development of the indigenous people," Premier Colin Barnett said.

Ord Irrigation Cooperative chief executive Geoff Strickland said he welcomed Leighton and IBA's appointment and looked forward to working with them.

"We may have to wait another two or three weeks to know if we will be involved," he said.

"We are excited that a constructor has been appointed; we have a good working relationship with Leighton so we would hope to become the water service provider."

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the Government was committed to improving the social and financial well-being of local indigenous people.

"The project is funded by the Royalties for Regions program and will deliver significant outcomes for the traditional owners in the region - the Miriuwung Gajerrong people - including extensive training, employment and business opportunities." Mr Grylls said.

Mr Barnett said that expanding the Ord River into a world-class agricultural precinct was a key election promise in 2008.

"On completion, the project will ultimately double the Ord irrigation area to 28,000 hectares," he said.

"The first release of the new agricultural blocks, after environmental approvals, is expected by 2011-12."

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