PM Transcripts

F 77/ 256
FOR PRESS 13 NOVEMBER 1977
JOINT COMMONWEALTH-STATE REVIEW OF THE ORD RIVER IRRIGATION AREA
The Prime Minis-ter and the Premier of Western Australia announced
today that a joint Commonwealth-State Review is to be established
to report to both Governments on the future development of the
Ord River Irrigation Area.
The proposed Review has been the subject of discussion and
correspondence between the Prime Minister and the Premier for some
months,, and its purpose is to assist the Governments in considering
the proper course of future development of the region and the
role of Governments in that development.
There will be an assessment of agricultural development and research
in the region to date, and an assessment of further potential
development in the medium and long term, having regard to future
domestic and world markets for food, fibre and other commodities
which have potential in the region.
There will also be an assessment of the impact of development to
date and of potential future development on activities adjacent
to the area, on the environment, and on the Aboriginal community.
Both Governments are interested in the future development of the
region, and see the Review as providing a positive contribution
to enable the direction of future development to be properly guided.
The Chairman of the Review, who is still to be appointed, will be
supported by officers from both the Commonwealth and State
Governments. It is expected that the Review will take some six months from
its establishment.
Detailed terms of reference and arrangements for the Review are
to be discussed between officials of the two Governments and will
be announced as soon as possible.