Kimberley cotton gin on track for mid-2025 harvest: WA government

The foundations have been laid and construction is underway at a processing facility “that will underpin a sustainable cotton industry” in the Ord River Irrigation Area, according to an update from the Western Australian government.

Premier Roger Cook and regional development minister Don Punch toured the Kimberley Cotton Company’s cotton gin in Kununurra on Wednesday.

Foundation work on the multi-user facility is complete and cladding on the steel frame is “set to commence shortly”, with construction on track for completion “in time for the start of harvest in mid-2025” according to a joint statement from Cook and Punch.

The project is budgeted at $60 million.

“It is terrific to see first-hand the progress of cotton gin building works and gain an insight into how this exciting initiative will contribute to the development of a sustainable cotton industry,” said Cook.

The cotton gin will have initial capacity to process up to 110,000 bales per year, with plans to eventually double that, and is expected to employ 43 once operational.

According to the Kimberley Cotton Company, it will drive “at least $250 million of direct public benefit to the region.”

The WA government has a stake in its success, after providing $3.6 million to Horizon Power for for renewable hydroelectric power supply from Lake Argyle, a $5 million grant to Kimberley Cotton Company through the Investment Attraction Fund, as well as land and facilitation of approvals for the cotton gin.

Kimberley Cotton has also secured a $34 million loan through the federal government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF.)

Picture: credit NAIF