Northern Territory Country Hour Could water from WA's Ord River be piped across the border into the Northern Territory?
Jun 18, 2025
In this discussion, Andrew Bayliss, Acting Senior Executive Director for Industry Development with the NT's Department of Ag and Fisheries, dives into the ambitious plan to transport water from Western Australia’s Ord River to the Northern Territory. He reveals the federal funding aimed at drafting a business case to boost agricultural growth. Listeners explore various transport options, logistics challenges, and the vital role of stakeholder engagement in overcoming hurdles like land ownership and evaporation. This conversation highlights innovative strategies for sustainable water management.
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Key Water Transfer Options
- There are three viable options to pipe or channel Ord River water across the border into the NT: irrigation pipeline, duplicating channel, or channel plus storage.
- A hybrid solution combining these options is also possible to ensure reliable water delivery.
Piping Opportunity from Kununurra
- Piping water from Kununurra across the border is a promising option favored by both WA and NT governments.
- It opens irrigation opportunities along the route and supports regional development.
Detailed Business Case Timeline
- The detailed business case will conclude by end of 2026, aligning infrastructure staging with development needs.
- Cooperation with stakeholders like AAM Investment Group ensures timing matches development aspirations.