Gray Australia Pty Ltd has been announced as the successful preferred proponent of the 360 hectare first parcel and J H & CS Engelke as the successful preferred proponent for the 70ha second parcel of land.

Minister for Regional Development Terry Redman said the release of land in the Packsaddle area is an excellent opportunity for the local private sector to establish, or grow, existing enterprises. Both proponents are local, family owned and operated, farming enterprises that intend to grow a range of horticultural crops including watermelons, pumpkins and grains.

Gray Australia Pty Ltd, trading as Ceres Farm, was established in 1994 and produces premium, high-value agricultural produce including watermelons, pumpkins, chia, chickpeas, sorghum and maize. The extra land in parcel one is located adjacent to their existing farm allowing increased growing capacity in production and employment opportunities.

J H & C S Engelke farm mangoes in close proximity to parcel two which they intend to use to increase their farming operation to include broad-acre horticultural lines.

“It is pleasing to see the State Government’s targeted investment in arterial road and irrigation infrastructure for the Ord Expansion Project is now having a ripple effect which is increasing interest in developing other areas of the Ord Valley,” Minister Redman said.