The Ord River Irrigation Scheme is the result of a bold plan to develop part of the nation’s tropical north for intensive irrigated agriculture by harnessing the waters of the Ord River. First works on the project, in the East-Kimberley region of WA, were completed in the early 60s.
Why did they dam the Ord River?
The Ord River dams provide water for irrigation to over 117 square kilometres (45 sq mi) of farmland and extensions to the scheme are underway to allow irrigation of a further 440 square kilometres (170 sq mi). The main Ord River dam also generates power for the local community of Kununurra.
What is grown on the Ord River?
Ord Stage 1 – 14 000 hectares (ha) of irrigated farm land. Existing irrigated farmland is being used for a variety of agricultural crops including maize, cotton, mango, citrus, watermelon, rockmelons, pumpkin, chickpeas, sandalwood and chia.
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 crocs in Ord River?
The Lower Ord River in the East Kimberley has a very high population of saltwater crocs, with reports of 5+ metre salties being spotted!
Is 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.
Are there crocodiles in Lake Argyle?
Who built the Ord River dam?
Dravo Corporation
The construction of the Ord River Dam was completed in 1971 by Dravo Corporation. The dam was officially opened the following year. The dam wall is 335 metres (1,099 ft) long, and 98 metres (322 ft) high.
Are there sharks in Lake Argyle?
Clean freshwater awaits all solo, duo or quad teams, no sharks, no bluebottles, no ocean rips and no chafing, just a very pleasant 22 – 26 degrees in 980 square kilometres of lake to enjoy.
Can you swim with fresh water crocodiles?
Avoid: going too near freshwater crocs – although they are not aggressive like the saltwater crocodile, they can still inflict a serious bite. swimming in crocodile territory, although it is generally considered safe to swim near freshwater crocodiles.
Are there saltwater crocodiles in the Ord River?
The Lower Ord River in the East Kimberley has a very high population of saltwater crocs, with reports of 5+ metre salties being spotted! No doubt, the Lower Ord is one of the Kimberley’s best places to spot saltwater crocs.
Who owns Lake Argyle?
Charlie Sharpe
One of the country’s most remote and picturesque holiday parks, the Lake Argyle Resort in Western Australia’s spectacular Kimberley region, has been listed for sale by its long-term owner and operator, Charlie Sharpe, and is expected to attract interest from the likes of mining magnate Andrew Forrest.
What is the Ord Irrigation Scheme?
Cattle mustering in the Kimberley. The development of the Ord Irrigation Scheme The Ord River Irrigation Scheme is the end result of a bold and imaginative plan to develop part of the nation’s tropical north for intensive irrigated agriculture by harnessing the waters of the Ord River.
What is the Ord River Irrigation Expansion Stage 3 project?
In 2012, the Ord River Irrigation Expansion Stage 3 began, to undertake similar investigations of about 6000 ha of red loamy soils (Cockatoo Sands).
Should the Ord River be harnessed for agricultural use?
Without harnessing the waters there was no chance the area could sustain the cherished dream of an agricultural industry. The only way to transform the semi-desert cattle country to a luscious, year round agricultural area would be to develop a dam on the Ord river.
When was the Ord River project built?
In March 1963, the Queen and Prince Phillip visited the project to see the waters of the Ord harnessed for the first time. Once finishing touches were completed, the Ord River Project was officially opened by Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies in July 1963.
