WAFarming
Kununurra
A new town built to support the Ord’s irrigation experiment.
1961Town site proclaimed
WHAT STARTED IT
Kununurra was established as the service town for the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. The town supported construction and the farms intended to use diverted river water, rather than growing from an older port or gold rush.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The first irrigation stage and diversion dam were followed by a much larger water storage and expanding agriculture. The settlement became a base for businesses and travel across the East Kimberley.
TURNING POINTS
1961Kununurra is proclaimed a town site.
1960–63The first stage of the irrigation project is constructed.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A service centre for irrigated agriculture and Kimberley tourism. The Ord River and its engineered water system remain central to the surrounding landscape.