A major study commissioned by the Pilbara Regional Development Advisory Committee (PRDAC) has confirmed the potential for further horticulture development to proceed in the Pilbara.
Agriculture Minister Ernie Bridge said the study provided an exciting blueprint for future development of the region.
After considering climate, soil, water, population, potential markets, and past and present horticulture experience in the area, the report by consultants Doug McGhie and Associates identified three specific areas for future cultivation.
This included land at Roebourne and Turner River and an area around Pardoo Roadhouse using the artesian water of the Canning Basin.
Potential crops could include tomatoes, capsicums, eggplant, French beans, snake beans, broccoli, watermelons, rockmelons, cucumber, squashes, butternut pumpkins, salad vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage and spring onions, and tree fruits such as citrus, mango and paw-paw.
While some successful horticulture production is already underway in the Pilbara, the report says it does not presently meet all local demand, while opportunities also exist to service the Perth market, using competitive backfreight rates, and to tap into export markets.
On the advice of the PRDAC, Mr Bridge said he would be establishing a reference group to consider the report's recommendations and investigate specific issues such as land release.
The reference group, chaired by the assistant director of the Pilbara Development Commission, Mr Alan Graham, would include representatives from:
· government agencies and departments including Agriculture, Land Administration, the Water Authority, and the Environmental Protection Authority;
· local government including the town of Port Hedland and the shires of Roebourne and East Pilbara;
· the pastoral industry; and
· Aboriginal communities.
The reference group would meet for the first time later this month.
Copies of the report are available from the Pilbara Development Commission, PO Box 294, Karratha 6714, telephone (091) 85 0188.
