In the first Country Matters episode for 2024, Donny Imberlong explores the return of cotton as the primary crop in the Ord Valley of the East Kimberley.

Will it work this time? Will it be lucrative for producers? And will local mob benefit?

The WA Government has invested millions in the expansion of cotton in the north, including the construction of a cotton gin in Kununurra.

We hear from David Menzel, President of the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, who’s been a farmer in the region for over 30 years.

We also hear the concerns of Martin Pritchard from Environs Kimberley, the regions peak environment group.

Miriwoong Elder David ‘Joolama’ Newry is also concerned, saying his people have failed to benefit from all developments on their country since the construction of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme in the 1960s.

Joolama says his people are not being properly informed and consulted about developments, including a multi-billion-dollar ‘Aboriginal Clean Energy’ project planned for the East Kimberley.

The elder is critical of MG Corporation, the native title body representing TO’s across the North-East Kimberley.

MG was established in 2006 to represent the interests of MG native title holders and to receive and manage the benefits transferred under the Ord Final Agreement.

MG is a partner in the cotton gin, and the clean energy project, described as Australia’s first 100 per cent renewable green hydrogen and ammonia project.

This project will involve a 900MW solar farm, a 50,000tpa (tons per annum) hydrogen production facility, a 250,000tpa green ammonia production facility and the existing hydro facility at Lake Argyle.

Mr Newry says decisions about these projects have been made by a few representatives only, and without proper consultation with TO people.

Waringarri Media has been seeking an interview with MG Chair Lawford Benning for a long time, however he cancelled our planned interview and has not been returning our messages.

Waringarri Media extends our offer of a right of reply to Mr Benning or any other MG representative.

Lawford Benning, Chair of MG Corporation, photo by ABC Rural: Alys Marshall