Ord-East Kimberley Expansion
Overview
The Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project (OEKEP) will see SunWater provide irrigation and non-potable water to agricultural customers and landholders in the Goomig Farm Area.
The project is located on the Weaber Plains in the East-Kimberley, approximately 35km north of Kununurra, and will support agricultural industry across a further 7,400ha.
The OEKEP is a Western Australia Government initiative to create a major regional centre in the East-Kimberley area.
The project is part of the government’s larger investment into the project, which comprises a number of integrated projects aiming to deliver sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities in the region.
The project intends to realise the full potential of available resources and will increase the size of the Ord irrigation area to approximately 22,000ha of agricultural land.
Once complete, the expansion will boost the region’s economic and social development, providing opportunities for immediate growth and long-term sustainability.
For further information about the OEKEP please refer to LandCorp’s website.
Background
In June 2010, SunWater was appointed as the preferred Water Service Provider for the OEKEP. As the selected proponent, SunWater will deliver irrigation water services in the Goomig Farm Area.
The Goomig Farm Area comprises of approximately 7,400ha of land in 17 lots which will be available for development. This area forms the backbone for the project.
SunWater will be responsible for the provision of irrigation and non-potable water services to agricultural customers and landowners within the expansion area. Through the project, SunWater will deliver an efficient water supply to all customers in the expansion area.
SunWater will commence the delivery of water to customers once licences are obtained from the Department of Water and the Economic Regulation Authority.
Benefits
The OEKEP will provide a number of benefits to customers in the irrigation area. This will include:
- Effective and efficient water service delivery
- Economic opportunities for the Kimberley region
- Social development
- Indigenous employment and training opportunities.
SunWater is committed to working with the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people to develop employment and training opportunities throughout the Project. All employment and training programs will be developed in-line with the Ord Final Agreement made between the Western Australian Government and traditional owners.
Cultural Heritage
SunWater has an excellent track record working with Indigenous Australians across major water infrastructure projects.
SunWater is aware of the Ord Final Agreement made between the Western Australian State Government and the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people.
SunWater understands this agreement aims to ensure the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people, the traditional owners, and custodians of the land being developed for the OEKEP, can benefit through the delivery of better health, education, training, employment, and direct ownership opportunities.
A commitment to an Aboriginal Development Package was also made in the Ord Final Agreement, and key components of this will be addressed by both SunWater and the Western Australian Government.
The Ord Final Agreement was registered as an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the National Native Title Tribunal on 16 August 2006.
Environment
SunWater upholds the highest standards of environmental protection in all activities from project delivery to the ongoing management of water services.
SunWater is committed to managing its environmental impact throughout operation and maintenance of the irrigation and non-potable water as part of OEKEP and will ensure measures are implemented to achieve this.
Our role
As the preferred Water Service Provider, SunWater’s role will be to operate and maintain irrigation infrastructure across the expansion area. SunWater will also provide engineering design services for the OEKEP.
Enquiries
For further information regarding the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project (OEKEP), please contact the project hotline on 13 15 89.