A major milestone for Northern Australia’s trade and agricultural sectors has been reached, with the first Port of Wyndham export of cotton departing for international markets.
The shipment marks the successful delivery of cotton processed at the new Kimberley Cotton Gin in Kununurra: a facility made possible through joint Federal and State investment.
The vessel, operated by shipping line ANL on a regular route linking northern Australian ports to Singapore, is carrying around 60 containers of high-quality cotton.
Each 40-foot container holds approximately 104 bales, representing the first stage of a new supply chain that connects Northern growers directly with export markets.
Investment strengthens regional industry and trade
The Kimberley Cotton Gin was supported by a $9 million contribution from the Cook Government and a $34 million Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility loan from the Australian Government.
This collaboration between State and Federal agencies has been instrumental in enabling the first commercial export through the Port of Wyndham, operated by Cambridge Gulf Ltd under the Kimberley Ports Authority.
Further strengthening trade capacity, the Western Australian Government has invested $14 million in new biosecurity infrastructure to support the Port’s bid for First Point of Entry status.
This will enable more direct international trade through the Kimberley, opening up new markets and industries.
Regional Development and Ports Minister Stephen Dawson says the milestone demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investment drives long-term benefits.
“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,” Dawson says.
“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.”
Cotton milestone fuels regional diversification
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis says the first export shipment highlights the potential of Northern Australia’s emerging cotton industry.
“This is a landmark achievement, which will see a new era of value-added agriculture forged in Northern Australia,” Jarvis says.
“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.”
Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna says the milestone reflects the success of collaboration across government, industry and community.
“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,” D’Anna says.
“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.”
Supported by the Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation and the Ord River District Co-operative, the Kimberley Cotton Gin represents a transformative shift in how Northern Australia’s agricultural sector connects with global markets.