Why did the Ord River scheme failure?
Reviews carried out to identify other reasons why the broader Ord River Irrigation Scheme failed to meet expectations in the early years concluded there were a number of reasons: transport concerns; the generally low scale of infrastructure; and low commodity prices were cited.
Where is the Ord River scheme?
east Kimberley
The Ord River irrigation scheme in the east Kimberley region of WA, near to the NT border, is one of the longest running, most expensive and best known attempts to increase agricultural development in the north.
Why was the Ord River dammed?
The Ord River dams provide water for irrigation to over 117 square kilometres (45 sq mi) of farmland and there are plans to extend the scheme to allow irrigation of 440 square kilometres (170 sq mi) in the near future. The main Ord River dam also generates power for the local community of Kununurra.
How long is the Ord River?
650 km
Ord River/Length
How much water does the Ord River dam hold?
10.7 million mega litres
Did you know… At normal full supply level the area of the lake formed by the Ord Dam is 980 square kilometres and impounds 10.7 million mega litres (8.6 million acre feet) of water, over 18 times the volume of water contained in Sydney Harbour!
Are there crocodiles in Lake Argyle?
Crocodiles. Although Lake Argyle is home to the world’s largest population of Johnston River Freshwater Crocodiles, these prehistoric creatures are timid and generally considered not dangerous to humans. The locals at Lake Argyle swim in these waters and respect that this is the Crocodiles’ natuaral habitat.
What to see on the Ord River Tour?
From the dam the river gets progressively more beautiful and moves inland. On display are birds, fish, crocodiles and wallabies – you might even see an eagle. Your Triple J guides are experts at spotting wildlife and the afternoon tea set up on the riverbank is a popular option.
Where to cruise Ord River in East Kimberley?
Join us for an absolutely Ord-some day in the East Kimberley, cruising the mighty Ord River and then sipping bubbly while the sun sets over Lake Argyle. The fun begins at 9am when you’re collected from your Kununurra accommodation and whisked away to the Marina to begin your Ord River (Lake Kununurra) cruise.
Where does the Ord River start and end?
Rising in the Albert Edward range, it flows in an easterly and northerly direction 650km. Its course runs around the edge of the Purnululu National Park, through Lake Argyle, along the western edge of Kununurra and on to the Cambridge Gulf, where it bends and curves through flat wetlands before opening out into the Timor Sea.
Why was the Ord River irrigation scheme so successful?
With one of the fastest flowing rivers in Australia during the wet season, the rich fertile soils, the East Kimberley boasted all the dynamics for a successful irrigation scheme. The fertile plains of the lower reaches of the Ord River have long lured pastoralists and farmers to the East Kimberley.