‘Skuthorpe needs to be released’

A 650 hectare parcel of land about 23km east of Broome has been identified as a potential key food bowl with the ability to create jobs and pump millions of dollars annually into the local economy.

Just one day after being sworn in as Shire of Broome president, Ron Johnston said the time had come to start pushing for the release of land at Skuthorpe, near the Roebuck Roadhouse.

He said more land for agricultural development should be released with a freehold title option to encourage investment.

“In particular the Skuthorpe block needs to be released for tender now that its ground water potential has been determined,” Mr Johnston said.

“More agriculture means more business in Broome and more use of our port.”

Mr Johnston said there was increasing recognition that the hinterland of Broome had “terrific potential” for irrigated agriculture and increased beef production, and more rapid progress was needed.

He said the Shire was meeting potential investors and working with the State Government to progress the project.

“Broadening the economic base of Broome and the West Kimberley should be a key goal for us all, and agriculture is an industry with a lot of potential but that is currently under developed in our region,” he said.

The business community said it was encouraged Mr Johnston had “acted so quickly on such a crucial project”.

Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive officer Jael Napper said the agriculture basin reaching fruition would deliver major returns on regional employment and social reform.

“The wider community can better understand this by researching the Water for Food and Northern Beef Futures programs which have a strong focus on the economic opportunities in the West Kimberley,” she said.

Mr Johnston said development of irrigation at Mowanjum Aboriginal Community near Derby to grow cattle food crops was a good example of partnerships between the State Government and the community.

“It’s creating enterprise for their people to get involved in the economy and is an example of what is possible with agriculture in our region,” he said.

“There are not many places in the Kimberley right now with quality green feed for stock but at Mowanjum we can see what is possible.”