
Proposals open for Broome horticulture land
Expressions of interest for new land released in the Skuthorpe Horticulture Area are now open, Lands Minister Terry Redman announced today.
The Department of Lands is accepting proposals for initiatives that promote horticultural activity in the recently released 682-hectare Skuthorpe land, east of Broome.
"This is a rare opportunity for dynamic investors and companies to put forward their vision for expanding horticultural opportunities in the Kimberley region," Mr Redman said.
"The release of 12 lots of land at Skuthorpe reflects the Government's commitment to unlocking the potential of State-owned land, to growing and diversifying the local economy and to boosting employment opportunities in the region.
"This land release builds on the State Government's unprecedented investment in the agricultural sector under the $300 million Seizing the Opportunity in Agriculture initiative, made possible by Royalties for Regions, which aims to strengthen regional communities where agriculture is a major economic activity."
Water Minister Mia Davies said the Skuthorpe Horticulture Area would provide a significant opportunity to develop irrigated agriculture in the region, in line with the objectives of the $40 million Water for Food program.
"Initial investigations carried out by the Department of Water, through Water for Food, indicate there is sufficient good-quality groundwater available in the Skuthorpe area to support both existing and new developments," Ms Davies said.
The deadline for EOI submissions is 2pm on February 25, 2015. Interested parties are encouraged to email SkuthorpeEOI@lands.wa.gov.au to request an EOI package.
Further information about the Skuthorpe land release and EOI process can be found on the Department of Lands website at http://www.lands.wa.gov.au
Lands Minister's office - 6552 6700
Water Minister's office - 6552 5500