$4.5 million Kimberley groundwater investigations begin

The Northern Territory government has begun a $4.5 million drilling program in West Kimberley to identify new groundwater resources.

Minister for Water, Mia Davies, said the investigations would go towards developing resources for irrigated agriculture.

"The aim of the drilling project is to identify new, sustainable groundwater resources to meet the needs for irrigated agriculture and to develop a scientific database useful for government, industry and individuals to make more informed decisions in the future," Davies said.

"If the aquifers are found to be prospective, further studies will need to be undertaken to determine potential impacts on river ecosystems and sensitive ecological areas and the effects of long-term abstraction on the saltwater interface."

The drilling would target areas in West Kimberley, Midlands and Myalup-Wellington from now until the end of the year.

Minister for Regional Development, Terry Redman, said the program is crucial in encouraging capital investment in regional Western Australia.

"Addressing the reliability and security of groundwater supplies in these priority areas will deliver options for irrigated agricultural development and expansion for new and existing agricultural enterprises," Redman said.

"An integral part of the investigations involves stakeholder engagement, including discussions with local landholders, to gain an understanding of ground conditions."

The Water for Food program is a $40 million Royalties for Regions-funded project.

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