Kimberley Cotton Gin Project
Discover how NAIF's funding is driving the establishment of a cutting-edge cotton gin facility in Kununurra, Kimberley. This collaboration between key stakeholders promises economic growth, job creation, and Indigenous engagement.
August 2021
Agriculture & Water
Kununurra, WA
NAIF is investing up to $34 million to support a new cotton processing facility in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Proponent Background
In April 2021, the Kimberley Cotton Company was formed – a partnership between the Ord River District Cooperative, Kimberley Agricultural Investment, and Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation.
The company was established to lead the construction and operation of a Kununurra cotton processing facility that will make cotton an economically feasible broadacre crop in the region.
Project Overview
The Ord River District Cooperative, Kimberley Agricultural Investment and the Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation are working collaboratively to build the gin and establish a viable cotton-growing industry in the Kimberley region.
NAIF’s loan will help construct the facility, which will comprise a two-stand gin module and ancillary infrastructure.
How We Helped
NAIF’S loan will diversify the economy and help establish a new cotton growing industry in northern Australia worth an estimated $925 million.
Public Benefit
The cotton gin will create around 61 jobs in total with 30 direct jobs during construction, up to 31 direct ongoing jobs when operational, as well as many indirect business and employment opportunities.
The development of the gin will remove the need to transport unprocessed cotton interstate.
Overall, the project is forecast to yield significant public benefits of up to $248 million over 20 years.
The project is also expected to bring transformational benefits to northern Australia, particularly in the Ord River Irrigation Area and the western top-end region of the NT.
This cotton gin is a substantial investment; however it is only the beginning of the development opportunities in the region. KCCL looks forward to continuing its partnership with NAIF and a future of growth that will have generational benefits for northern Australia.
Jim Engelke
Chair, Kimberley Cotton Company
Related Links
Indigenous Engagement
- The Miriuwung Gajerrong People
Kununurra, located on Miriuwung and Gajerrong Country in Western Australia’s East Kimberley, is home to the Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation (MG Corporation), which was established under the Ord Final Agreement to manage native title benefits and support the cultural, social and economic aspirations of the MG people. Country is ecologically diverse, encompassing mangrove flats, river systems, grassy plains, savannah woodlands, deep gorges, and limestone outcrops. MG Corporation leads a range of initiatives that span agriculture, renewable energy, property development and social programs, all while protecting cultural heritage and managing country sustainably. Key projects include the Kimberley Cotton Gin, a major agricultural investment; the East Kimberley Clean Energy Project, aiming to deliver Australia's first 100% renewable hydrogen and ammonia facility; and property development throughout the region. Socially, MG Corporation delivers targeted programs such as Home Stretch, Target 120, and a Youth Night Patrol, each designed to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people and support the wellbeing of youth, families and the broader community.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Commitments
- Develop and maintain a preferred First Nations supplier list, notify First Nations businesses of tender opportunities, ensure fair payment terms, and report on the number and value of contracts awarded to First Nations businesses.
- Committed to a 10% First Nations employment during construction and operations, prioritise local First Nations candidates, provide traineeships, and work with MG Corporation and service providers to build a skilled, inclusive workforce.
- Committed to engage Traditional Owners through MG Corporation, building competency through training delivered by Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring (MDWg) and communication of project impacts and benefits through culturally appropriate channels.
- KCC will review its Indigenous Engagement Strategy outcomes with input from MG Corp and report on its achievement of employment targets, Indigenous business spending and other undertakings.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Outcomes
- In 2024, MG Corporation continued representation on the KCC Board, and the project reported a procurement spend of over $67,000 towards First Nations businesses, as well as employing 7 First Nations staff through other contracts.
