Wyndham-East Kimberley’s three major industries are agriculture, mining and tourism. All are set to experience rapid growth over the next few years. Established in the 1960s, the Ord River Irrigation Scheme currently services 14,500 hectares. Key crops include sugar cane, mangos, melons, tropical fruits and cut flowers.
Agricultural production currently brings $70 million in export earnings for the Shire, and over the next three years agricultural production is set to treble. Ord River Stage 2 will see the release of up to a further 43,000 hectares of irrigated land. The expected increase in production from Stage 2 will create 400 new jobs and bring up to 1,000 people to the Shire. The release of the additional irrigated land will take place over three years as the necessary infrastructure is completed.
The Shire is also set to reap the rewards of an expansion of what is already the world’s largest producer of diamonds – the Argyle Mine.
Currently, an open cut mine, in terms of carats, the Argyle produces more diamonds than any other mine. Argyle Diamonds is currently undertaking a $70 million study to determine the feasibility of underground mining. The study is due for release in June this year. If feasible the mine will be expanded creating a further 400 jobs. Previously being a fly in fly out operation, the mine is aiming for an 80 per cent local workforce. Currently 20 per cent of staff are Aboriginal people. The Company aims to increase the ratio of Indigenous to non-indigenous workers to 50 per cent.
Tourism is the third string in the Wyndham-East Kimberley’s bow. The Kimberley region as a whole is experiencing a major increase in visitors from within Australia and overseas. The four Shires in this region all offer a different experience. Wyndham East-Kimberley with its gorges, waterfalls, crocodiles and much more, has the slogan, ‘Go Wild Kununurra’, to capture the growing eco tourism and adventure tourism market.
