Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project
While much of the world and Australia is facing uncertain times, the East Kimberley is fortunate to be entering a period of rapid growth, capitalising on its unique advantages and striving to meet the needs of its residents and visitors.
The Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project is a key focus for the State Government of Western Australia over the next few years. $220million from the Royalties for Regions program is committed to this project to expand the irrigated agriculture base of the region from 14,000ha to 22,000ha.
The Australian Government has committed $195M to partner with the State’s investment to ensure that the social and community infrastructure and services keep pace with the growth resulting from an expanded agricultural base.
Co-ordination of the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project is being delivered by an integrated local community and Government approach.
The Department of Regional Development and Lands is responsible for the rollout of the program. For more information, please go to their website: http://www.royaltiesforregions.wa.gov.au/ord
Project Launch
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Premier Colin Barnett and Carol Hapke celebrating the launch of the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project at Warrangarri Art Studio
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd plants a commemorative tree with Teddy Charlton, Chairman of Yawoorroong Miriuwung Gajerrong Yirrgeb Noong Dawang Aboriginal Corporation ("MG Corp")
East Kimberley Development Package
The $195 million East Kimberley Development Package was launched by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Kununurra on 3 July 2009.
 | Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Premier Colin Barnett signing the Ord-East Kimberley Development Project at the Kununurra District High School assembly. |
The Package was developed by the Australian Government in close collaboration with the Western Australian Government through a joint assessment process led by the Hon Gary Gray AO MP and the Hon Brendon Grylls MLA with assistance from the Office of Northern Australia
The Australian Government is investing directly in social and common use infrastructure that will promote healthy, strong and resilient communities and provide meaningful and sustainable jobs for local Indigenous people in the East Kimberley region.
The Package includes key investments across the areas of health, education and training, housing, transport and community infrastructure.
East Kimberley Development Package Summary
| Project | $ million |
|---|---|
| Health - $50 million | |
| Wyndham health facilities refurbishment | 3.4 |
| Kununurra Hospital expansion | 20.0 |
| Short stay patient accommodation in Kununurra | 4.0 |
| Residential rehabilitation facility in Wyndham | 3.2 |
| Remote aged care services in Kalumbaru and Warmun | 5.0 |
| Remote clinics in Kalumbaru and Warmun | 2.0 |
| Environmental health measures in Kalumbaru, Warmun and Oombulgurri | 6.8 |
| Sobering Up Centres in Kununurra and Wyndham | 0.6 |
| Health service providers housing in Kununurra | 5.0 |
| Education and Training - $64 million | |
| Wyndham Early Learning Activities Centre | 1.6 |
| Warmun Early Learning Centre | 0.6 |
| Kununurra Primary School | 25.0 |
| Kununurra District High School upgrade | 15.0 |
| Kununurra School Community Library expansion | 5.0 |
| East Kimberley Teacher Training Facility within Kununurra High School | 3.5 |
| Kimberley TAFE upgrade in Kununurra and Wyndham | 10.0 |
| Community meeting rooms in Kununurra, Kalumbaru, Oombulgurri and Dawul | 2.3 |
| Early Childhood Building for Jundranung Community | 1.0 |
| Housing - $50 million | |
| Social Housing in Kununurra and Wyndham | 30.0 |
| Transition Housing in Kununurra and other locations | 20.0 |
| Transport - $15 million | |
| Wyndham Port facility upgrade | 10.0 |
| Kununurra Airport upgrade | 5.4 |
| Community - $16 million | |
| Community sporting facilities in Kununurra and Wyndham | 4.2 |
| Waringarri Art Centre in Kununurra | 1.6 |
| Wyndham Picture Gardens | 0.3 |
| Wyndham Community Jetty | 5.0 |
| MG Corporation – Gelganyem Trust shared facility in Kununurra | 4.5 |
| Total | 195.0 |