WA’s first cotton processing plant closer with order

The Kimberley Cotton Company (KCC) in Western Australia will build the state’s first cotton processing plant, worth $60 million and expected to begin operating in 2025.

In a statement on Wednesday, the WA government congratulated the KCC on ordering the plant at Kununurra, which coincided with a visit by regional minister Don Punch meeting with farmers in Kununurra to discuss the Ord River Irrigation Area project and the establishment of the cotton industry.

“I am delighted to see the Kimberley Cotton Company passing a significant milestone this week, ordering WA’s first cotton gin and moving closer to realising this transformational project for the region, local growers, Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation and the pastoral industry in the East Kimberley,” said Punch.

The WA government has long supported the initiative through land and contributing $3.6 million for Horizon Power infrastructure for renewable power supply from Lake Argyle.

The project also Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) board approved a $32 million loan to the KCC to construct Stage One of the cotton gin.

According to the Kimberley Development Corporation, the facility has the potential to produce up to 120,000 bales of cotton each year, and add $268 million to the gross value of agricultural production in the region.

Picture: NAIF