❓ A WA parliament question on the Ord River Irrigation Scheme Stage 2. Redman asks if the Minister is misleading proponents and if they will be compensated for wasted expenses. Ripper responds that the EOI process will be extended to engage the Commonwealth government for a larger project.
AnsweredQoN 300Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ORD STAGE 2 - GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT, AND COMPENSATION
Given the large amount of effort and funds spent by proponents responding to the government’s invitation for expressions of interest for development of Ord stage 2, I ask - (1) What game is the minister playing with the proponents by leading them up the garden path and backing out of his commitment to develop stage 2 of the Ord irrigation scheme? (2) Will he compensate the proponents for their wasted time and money spent on replying to his expressions of interest, which are now virtually useless? Mr E.S. RIPPER
Given the large amount of effort and funds spent by proponents responding to the government’s invitation for expressions of interest for development of Ord stage 2, I ask - (1) What game is the minister playing with the proponents by leading them up the garden path and backing out of his commitment to develop stage 2 of the Ord irrigation scheme? (2) Will he compensate the proponents for their wasted time and money spent on replying to his expressions of interest, which are now virtually useless? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his question. (1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
(1) What game is the minister playing with the proponents by leading them up the garden path and backing out of his commitment to develop stage 2 of the Ord irrigation scheme? (2) Will he compensate the proponents for their wasted time and money spent on replying to his expressions of interest, which are now virtually useless? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
(2) Will he compensate the proponents for their wasted time and money spent on replying to his expressions of interest, which are now virtually useless? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
I thank the member for his question. (1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
(1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
(1) What game is the minister playing with the proponents by leading them up the garden path and backing out of his commitment to develop stage 2 of the Ord irrigation scheme? (2) Will he compensate the proponents for their wasted time and money spent on replying to his expressions of interest, which are now virtually useless? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
(2) Will he compensate the proponents for their wasted time and money spent on replying to his expressions of interest, which are now virtually useless? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
I thank the member for his question. (1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
(1)-(2) The expressions of interest process is to be extended, and those proponents will have the opportunity to continue with their proposals or to review their proposals in the light of further information that I think has a bearing on the commercial prospects of Ord stage 2. One of the issues - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will deal with the questioner rather than the interjectors. One of the issues is a scarcity of water on the eastern seaboard, which is making agriculture more difficult and, potentially, improving the competitive prospects for agriculture in the north. That has led the commonwealth government to take an interest in shifting agriculture to the north. The commonwealth government has another interest. It also pays extensive pensions and benefits to people who are not employed in the east Kimberley. The combination of better economics comparatively in the north, as a result of scarcity of water in the east; the commonwealth’s interest in northern agriculture; and the commonwealth’s financial obligations to people on welfare, I think means we have an opportunity to engage the commonwealth in working with the state to support this project. If the commonwealth is to be engaged, then we need to focus on a 30 000-hectare project rather than the 7 000 or 16 000 hectares that the initial EOI process focused on. I want to formally extend the EOI process. With commonwealth support and with the resolution of some of the other issues surrounding Ord stage 2, I think we have a much better chance at establishing the project that I am looking for - a project on a large scale, using scarce water effectively and efficiently to support the growing of high-value crops. That is what we are aiming for. We do not want this project coming back to the taxpayers every second year because there is a crisis and it needs some support. We need a truly profitable large-scale, sustainable Ord stage 2. I believe that by working with the commonwealth government, in light of the indications I have been given by Minister Turnbull, we can get that outcome for Ord stage 2. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Moore and the member for Roe to order!
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