Red-taped asparagus project delays continue

Written on the 5 June 2017

A massive horticulture project in the Kimberley lies dormant, one year after the former State Government released the 682ha of land as part of its $40 million water for food program.

On June 10 last year, Kimberley Asparagus an alliance between pumpkin and melon farmer Russell "Rusty" Dredge and the WA Fresh Produce Group was unveiled as the successful candidate for the Skuthorpe horticultural area, 23km east of Broome.

At the time, former lands minister Terry Redman said Kimberley Asparagus had been chosen because of its vision for expanding regional horticultural opportunities by supplying domestic and international markets with quality produce.

He said the prospective economic benefits for WA and the Kimberley were significant.

The operation this year was expected to create up to 55 jobs, with the first asparagus harvest due around November/December.

But not one seedling has been planted because the Department of Environment Regulation has still not issued land-clearing permits.

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Source: Broome Advertiser