WA welcomes first cotton processing plant and creation of more jobs

Western Australia is welcoming its first cotton processing plant and the State Government congratulates Kimberley Cotton Company (KCC) for reaching a major milestone in the delivery of the new facility. 

Kimberley Cotton Company has placed orders as well as signed contracts for the construction of the $60 million cotton processing facility – also known as a cotton gin. 

Earthworks and construction works are set to commence once all necessary approvals have been secured. The new cotton processing plant is expected to be completed and operational in time for the beginning of the picking season in mid-2025, with the export of Ord cotton to follow suit. 

“I congratulate the Kimberley Cotton Company for this milestone, and wish them every success towards starting up in 2025. 

“This processing facility is central to the development of a sustainable cotton industry and will provide significant employment opportunities for the Kununurra community. 

“This is the largest agricultural project in WA’s north, and a fantastic example of collaboration between government, local agricultural businesses, and Traditional Owners,” Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said. 

The cotton processing facility will support the booming cotton industry and will create local jobs, including up to 30 jobs during its construction and approximately 40 ongoing local jobs once the plant is up and running. The project is also expected to generate indirect employment and business opportunities throughout its life. 

The announcement of the new facility comes as Regional Development Minister Don Punch pays a visit to farmers in Kununurra to discuss the Ord River Irrigation Area project as well as the establishment of the cotton industry along with the opportunities it will bring for agricultural support businesses. 

“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. 

“It was also great to meet the local growers this morning and see the optimism around the future of a cotton industry in WA. 

“The McGowan Government has worked hard to get the project this far and it will need continued effort from all involved to ensure the development remains sustainable and meets its environmental obligations,” Regional Development Minister Don Punch said. 

Over the past six years, the State Government worked closely with local growers and Kimberley Cotton Company in support of this development, providing land and funding. 

The Western Australian Government has also committed $8.66 million through the 2023-24 State Budget to help the project meet environmental obligations over the next three years. 

$3.6 million was previously committed for Horizon Power infrastructure that will supply renewable power from Lake Argyle to the Cotton Gin. In addition, the State awarded a lease for about 60 hectares of land to Kimberley Cotton Company in September last year. 

The State Government has announced a $77.1 million investment in December 2022 for vital water infrastructure upgrades in the Ord, which will help drive the expansion of agriculture in the State’s north. 

These upgrades – which include widening the Main Water Supply Channel – will support the supply of water from Lake Argyle to the 5,400 hectare Knox Plain project. This farmland is vital in underpinning the volumes of production that will help sustain the cotton industry in the East Kimberley region. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; AU Manufacturing; Kimberley Cotton Company