V 4J~ AUSTRALIA ~ g-
PRIME MINISTER.
FOR PRESS 15 DECEMBER 1977
JOINT COMMONWEALTH/ STATE RVEWOF THE ORD RIVER IRRIGATION AREA
The Prime Minister, Mr Frasez and the Premier of Western Australia,
Sir Charles Court, today announced further details of the joint
Commonwealth/ State review which is to be established to report
to both Governments on the future development of the Ord River
Irrigation Area.
Following discussions between the Prime Minister and the Premier,
agreement has been reached onthe composition of the body to
undertake the review and the terms of reference for the study.
The review body is to be comprised of five members, including anind
ependent ' chairman,.. two -officers of the Commonwealth Government
and two State Government officers.
The Chairman will be Sir Norman Young who is Chairman of
Elder Smith Goldsborough Mort! Ltd., Australia's largest pastoral
house. The Prime Minister. and Premier said that the terms of reference
stressed the need to look at the medium to long-term and involved
an assessment-of the'total benefits and costs to the nation
of various development strategies f or the area.
An assessment would also be made of the desirable future direction
of research and the possible ' roles of the Commonwealth and State
Governments. The review will involve extensive discussions in the region and
with other interested parties, Subsmissions will be invited.
The body will commence its task ea rly in the new year and it
is expected that the review will be completed within six months
of its establishment. I
The full terms of reference for the review are attached.
REVIEW OF THE FUTURE PROSPECTS OF THE
ORD RIVER IRRIGATION AREA ( ORIA)
THE REVIEW IS TO
1. Assess and report on the total benefits and costs
to the nation of:
Ci) Development in the ORIA to datel and
( ii) Further potential development having regard
to future world needs for food, fibre and
energy in the medium and longer term.
2. Include consideration of the following matters:
Technical, economic and environmental research
to date;
S ( ii) Commercial prospects for commodities which may
be produced in the region;
( iii) Infrastructure requirements and costs;
( iv) Where relevant, the impact of development on:
activities adjacent to the area
the-Aborigina-1-. ommunity~
the environment;
( vi Special-disabilities in the-region;
( vi) Possible future directions of research, including.
the involvement of and
( vii) The future implementation of the Western Australian
Agreement ( Ord River Irrigation} Act 1968.
3. Report also on possible roles of the Commonwealth and
Western Australian Governments in any future development. I. r