The export of cotton through the Port of Wyndham marks a major milestone for the Kimberley’s cotton industry. Photo: Stephen Dawson MP

THE FIRST shipment of cotton has been exported through the Port of Wyndham following the opening of the Kimberley Cotton Gin earlier this year.

A vessel operated by shipping line ANL on a regular schedule linking northern Australian ports with Singapore will carry the cotton to international markets.

The first load consists of about 60 40-foot containers, each carrying approximately 104 bales of high-quality cotton.

The Port of Wyndham is operated by Cambridge Gulf Ltd, under the auspices of the Kimberley Ports Authority.

WA Regional Development and Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said the ability to export cotton to international markets from a local port would help secure the future of the region’s cotton industry

“The export of cotton for the first time ever from Wyndham is a significant step following the groundbreaking opening of the Kimberley Cotton Gin earlier this year,” Mr Dawson said.

“The Cook Government is committed to ensuring our port infrastructure can support our regional communities through opening up new economic opportunities which will deliver jobs throughout the region.”

The port is well on the way to gaining First Point of Entry status from Federal authorities, supported by a $14 million investment from the Western Australian Government in new biosecurity infrastructure.

Cotton gin benefits

The export milestone comes just months after the Kimberley cotton gin was officially opened in mid-August.

The $60M facility is owned by Kimberley Cotton Company, a consortium of local growers including the Ord River District Co-operative, traditional owners Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation, Kimberley Agricultural Investment, Prime Grain, and Namoi Cotton.

With an initial processing capacity of about 100,000 bales per year, the gin is serviced by a 100-percent renewable power supply using low emission hydroelectricity.

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said the local community was already benefiting from the Kimberley Cotton Gin becoming operational.

“This shipment is a historic moment for the region, highlighting the growing potential of the Kimberley cotton industry, the diversification of the regional economy, and the strategic importance of the Port of Wyndham,” Ms D’Anna said.

“The gin is already boosting local jobs across farming, processing, and transport and is a clear example of how targeted regional investment can unlock long-term economic benefits for the Kimberley.”

This export milestone has been supported by strong co-operation between State and Federal agencies, the local cotton industry, Traditional Owners Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation, and the Ord River District Co-operative.

WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said the expanding cotton industry would boost local jobs and strengthen the regional economy.

“This is a landmark achievement, which will see a new era of value-added agriculture forged in Northern Australia,” Ms Jarvis said.

“I am proud to see this visionary investment come to fruition and look forward to seeing the benefits flow to local growers and producers, and to the broader regional economy and community.”

Source: WA Government