Kimberley cotton gin officially opens after more | Australian Markets

After more than 10 years of preparation work, the Kimberley Cotton Gin in Kununurra has officially opened with the project anticipated to create more than 1000 jobs over the subsequent decade in a new “billion-dollar industry” in WA’s north.

The $60 million facility, owned by Kimberley Cotton Company — a consortium of native growers and Traditional Owners — will course of up to 100,000 bales a 12 months and run on 100 per cent renewable hydro energy from Pac Hydro’s Lake Argyle era system.

Premier Roger Cook stated the new gin would help meet growing demand for sustainable cotton manufacturing.

“The opening of the Kimberley Cotton Gin is a significant achievement that follows years of collaboration between industry, Traditional Owners, the local community and government,” Mr Cook stated.

“This is a new era for sustainable cotton production in WA, set to inject millions of dollars into our State’s economy over the coming years and generate quality jobs for the people of the Kimberley region.”

The 79.4-hectare gin website obtained $9m from the WA Government and a $34m loan from the Commonwealth’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and has since begun processing bales

Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King stated the opening signalled the begin to a potential “billion-dollar industry” for WA’s North.

“This state-of-the-art facility represents far more than just infrastructure — it’s the foundation of an entirely new industry for the Kimberley region,” she stated.

“The project has the potential to transform the cotton industry across the Kimberley and into nearby parts of the Northern Territory by ensuring locally grown cotton can be processed and prepared directly for the market.”

Regional Development and Kimberley Minister Stephen Dawson stated the project would have flow-on advantages for the area over its lifetime.

“I look forward to seeing how this visionary project will help generate jobs, growth and flow-on benefits in the Kimberley for generations to come,” he stated.

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna stated the opening marked a important achievement and that the project would go away a lasting legacy within the Kimberley area.

“The project is a testament to our government’s commitment to developments in the region and the dedication of local growers and industry to building a sustainable, diversified future in the East Kimberley.”

The State Government has additionally unlocked 5500 hectares at Knox Plain for cotton manufacturing, half of a broader push to scale up provide and keep the new gin working at full capability for years to return.