❓ Question concerns WA government's measures, particularly in the Ord River region, to bolster the farming sector's confidence amidst a challenging national economic outlook. The Minister outlines investments in irrigation, road, electricity, telecommunications infrastructure, and Aboriginal development.
AnsweredQoN 257Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ORD RIVER DEVELOPMENT
Western Australian Farmers Federation President Mike Norton is in the media today saying that WA farmers are confident in their future despite a national survey finding that many farmers in other states expect the rural economy to deteriorate. Will the minister please outline the recent measures facilitated by this government, particularly in the Ord, that will add to the farming sector’s confidence in our state? Mr D.T. REDMAN
Western Australian Farmers Federation President Mike Norton is in the media today saying that WA farmers are confident in their future despite a national survey finding that many farmers in other states expect the rural economy to deteriorate. Will the minister please outline the recent measures facilitated by this government, particularly in the Ord, that will add to the farming sector’s confidence in our state? Mr D.T. REDMAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Geraldton for the question and also for his interest in this matter. No doubt, being a regional member of Parliament he has a — Mr P.B. Watson : How about asking our farmers about the GM crops? The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: I thank the member for Geraldton for the question and also for his interest in this matter. No doubt, being a regional member of Parliament he has a — Mr P.B. Watson : How about asking our farmers about the GM crops? The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
I thank the member for Geraldton for the question and also for his interest in this matter. No doubt, being a regional member of Parliament he has a — Mr P.B. Watson : How about asking our farmers about the GM crops? The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr P.B. Watson : How about asking our farmers about the GM crops? The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: I thank the member for Geraldton for the question and also for his interest in this matter. No doubt, being a regional member of Parliament he has a — Mr P.B. Watson : How about asking our farmers about the GM crops? The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
I thank the member for Geraldton for the question and also for his interest in this matter. No doubt, being a regional member of Parliament he has a — Mr P.B. Watson : How about asking our farmers about the GM crops? The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr P.B. Watson : How about asking our farmers about the GM crops? The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I would happily take a question from the member for Albany if he had the guts to ask it! Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : This is an important question for Western Australia because we understand the global financial issues and the pressures they place on the state. However, one sector has an opportunity to perform somewhat against the tide; that is, the agricultural sector. There is significant evidence in a range of areas to suggest a range of market opportunities, as I have highlighted to the house before. The Middle East and North Asia and South East Asia are looking at food security during financially tough times, and Western Australia can take advantage of those opportunities. I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
I had the good fortune to go to the Ord River and Kununurra yesterday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia held what it called an investors group tour of the Ord. Some 30 investors from around Australia—from not only Western Australia, but also interstate—looked at the opportunities that Ord stage 2 will present for them. In some cases it was the first chance these investors had had to look at the Ord, to understand its opportunities and to hear from senior government bureaucrats and me—unfortunately the Minister for Regional Development could not make it—about the vision that this government has for the Ord River irrigation area. I was buoyed by their response and by the interest those investors showed. Clearly, this project is getting on the map at a national and international level. We understand that although about only 8 000 hectares of new agricultural irrigation land is to be rolled out, this is the start of a huge opportunity not only for the Ord River irrigation area but also for the broader Kimberley region. This was a chance to put in front of those people the government’s vision for that area and, quite frankly, I was inspired by the enthusiasm shown by the potential investors. Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Our vision extends beyond the economic development of the region. It is really important that the development of social infrastructure goes hand in hand with the economic development. A big part of the investment in the region will be to develop the social infrastructure side-by-side with economic growth so that the people who want to live in that area are able to have the services that they need if they are to live in those regional communities rather than have a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, and so that we can support the growth that is inevitable in that region. The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
The Australian and Western Australian governments will invest in the order of $415 million in the project with the state’s investment encompassing $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, development of which has started—machinery is in the ground now and it is starting to happen. For the first time we are starting to see some real work. It is understandable that, after eight years of inaction by the previous government in the Ord, opposition members would ask whether we are serious; whether we are dinkum. The answer is that we are. Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Who negotiated the native title settlement? Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I acknowledge that, Leader of the Opposition. We are totally committed to this. On top of the $100 million for irrigation infrastructure, we will provide $54 million for road infrastructure, more than $11 million for electricity, almost $2 million for telecommunications and $10 million for an Aboriginal development package for skills and job mentoring. If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
If it were not for the support of the Liberal-National government and the royalties for regions scheme, this would not be happening. The opposition had a couple of false starts on this and I can understand it might be a tad cynical about where things are at, but this government clearly has the Ord front and centre of the agenda and is moving very fast. The Department of Agriculture and Food did some economic modelling of the potential of the Ord River region. If all the available land is developed, we are looking at a value to the state in excess of $1.1 billion annually. That is significant. It is significant for regional development in this state. It is significant for not only economic development but also social development because such industry will support a whole of regional development program that will grow the regions in Western Australia. Labor has been silent on its position; in fact, we have not heard a peep out of Labor members about the Ord because they know the project is happening and progressing under this government. Through royalties for regions we are redressing the imbalance that was caused by years of city-centric government. We are moving fast and we are moving progressively in the north.
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