❓ The Minister updates the house on the Ord-East Kimberley expansion project, detailing environmental approvals, channel extension progress, and timelines for infrastructure development and land release.
AnsweredQoN 442Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ORD-EAST KIMBERLEY EXPANSION PROJECT — BUDGET ALLOCATION
In last week’s state budget, the Ord-East Kimberley expansion project was listed as a key priority for the royalties for regions initiative and was allocated $86 million, with a total commitment of $220 million by 2012-13. Will the minister please update the house on the work that is currently underway to progress this exciting state building project? Mr B.J. GRYLLS
In last week’s state budget, the Ord-East Kimberley expansion project was listed as a key priority for the royalties for regions initiative and was allocated $86 million, with a total commitment of $220 million by 2012-13. Will the minister please update the house on the work that is currently underway to progress this exciting state building project? Mr B.J. GRYLLS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Geraldton for the question. I begin by thanking the Premier for his great interest in the expansion of East Kimberley and bringing to fruition the Ord-East Kimberley project. Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Like your friend next to you, member for North West, I have heard that comment half a dozen times in the house, as has everybody else. I formally call you for the second time. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Geraldton for the question. I begin by thanking the Premier for his great interest in the expansion of East Kimberley and bringing to fruition the Ord-East Kimberley project. Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Like your friend next to you, member for North West, I have heard that comment half a dozen times in the house, as has everybody else. I formally call you for the second time. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
I thank the member for Geraldton for the question. I begin by thanking the Premier for his great interest in the expansion of East Kimberley and bringing to fruition the Ord-East Kimberley project. Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Like your friend next to you, member for North West, I have heard that comment half a dozen times in the house, as has everybody else. I formally call you for the second time. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Like your friend next to you, member for North West, I have heard that comment half a dozen times in the house, as has everybody else. I formally call you for the second time. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
The SPEAKER : Order! Like your friend next to you, member for North West, I have heard that comment half a dozen times in the house, as has everybody else. I formally call you for the second time. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Geraldton for the question. I begin by thanking the Premier for his great interest in the expansion of East Kimberley and bringing to fruition the Ord-East Kimberley project. Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Like your friend next to you, member for North West, I have heard that comment half a dozen times in the house, as has everybody else. I formally call you for the second time. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
I thank the member for Geraldton for the question. I begin by thanking the Premier for his great interest in the expansion of East Kimberley and bringing to fruition the Ord-East Kimberley project. Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Like your friend next to you, member for North West, I have heard that comment half a dozen times in the house, as has everybody else. I formally call you for the second time. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Like your friend next to you, member for North West, I have heard that comment half a dozen times in the house, as has everybody else. I formally call you for the second time. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
The SPEAKER : Order! Like your friend next to you, member for North West, I have heard that comment half a dozen times in the house, as has everybody else. I formally call you for the second time. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I also thank the Premier for the great work that he did informing the Prime Minister of the exciting opportunities in East Kimberley and bringing to fruition $195 million of commonwealth funding for that most exciting region of Western Australia. I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
I will inform the house of the process of the Ord expansion. That will require me to quote from my notes because I want to get it right. Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
Several opposition members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am happy to speak off-the-cuff, but I would like to inform the house of the environmental approvals process we are going through, of what is happening on the ground and about the Aboriginal development package. The environmental approvals process is the most important part of the project that is being worked on. The environmental management plans are being developed. The initial plan will support the construction of a six-kilometre section of irrigation channel, constructed as forward works for the M2 channel expansion into Weaber Range. The management plan for that has been drafted and will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation by 22 May 2009, which is the end of this week. Other plans in and around this are being prepared to support this staged development. Most importantly, a draft proposal has been prepared for the federal environmental agency under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and it is proposed that it be forwarded to the commonwealth environmental agency on 27 May. Further to that environmental approval work, baseline environmental studies have commenced at Mantinea, Packsaddle and the west bank areas of infill—the small areas in and around the existing Ord area that can be developed going forward. The work on the environmental approvals for that development is being progressed and data is being collected for environmental approval applications that will follow. The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
The part I think members will be most interested in is the six-kilometre channel extension. The design and documentation contract has been let, and we expect completion of that contract by July 2009—in just a couple of months. We plan to commence construction of that channel extension in August 2009, depending upon the environmental approval of the construction management plans. Members will be happy to know that all sites have been surveyed and geotechnical studies have been completed for the extension. For members interested in the time line, obviously in the East Kimberley we need to work with the seasons. Land development during the wet season is not possible. In the 2009 dry season, forward works will include the Water Corporation-managed six-kilometre irrigation channel extension, a Main Roads traffic management study, development of environmental management plans and material-sourcing information so that Main Roads can actually get the road base it needs to enable the completion of those roads to come to fruition. In the 2010 dry season we are looking at the construction of all infrastructure between the end of the existing agricultural infrastructure and the end of the Weaber Plains Road and the commencement of the proposed land subdivision. This work will include road works, irrigation channels, power supply and telecommunications. In the 2011 dry season we propose the construction of all off-farm infrastructure within the proposed new land subdivision area, which will include the supply irrigation channels, the roads, the power and the irrigation control system. We still plan on land being released in 2011 for the Ord East Kimberley package. I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
I refer now to one of the most important aspects of this plan. I think even the previous government, which failed to get the Ord project off the ground, felt that this project would bring substantial benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the East Kimberley. The Aboriginal development package that flows from this project is a key priority for the new government. A workshop will be held on 27 May with MG Corporation, the Office of Native Title and the people from government who are managing the Ord project. The object is to agree on elements of a draft proposal. The workshop will explain clearly and simply to the people of the MG Corporation the benefits to the MG people and how those people can access those benefits. Most importantly, the workshop will explain the responsibilities that will come with land ownership and the other options, so that the MG traditional owners can make informed decisions going forward. Everyone in the house needs to be aware that as part of the Ord final agreement and part of the plan we are putting forward, five per cent of the agricultural land that is to be created will go into freehold ownership of the traditional owners. They will also get first right of approval on a further seven and a half per cent of the land. We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
We have a unique opportunity to engage with the traditional owners on land ownership and to bring land projects to fruition. I think everyone will agree that if we can package the Ord project and include some tangible benefits to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, that will be a remarkably successful expansion of agriculture in the East Kimberley. As well as that, in working closely with the commonwealth and its $195 million package, the project will deliver social infrastructure, hospitals and schools, and the East Kimberley will see a project that could never have been envisaged if members opposite had been in government.
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