CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Topics: 50th Connected Beginnings site for First Nations children  Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program ABC KUNUNURRA: Why are you here in Kununurra today certainly here to support Minister Anne Aly with the launch of the 50th Connected Beginnings site in Australia to have a special place to come together in terms of their learning and development to ensure that First Nations children have a good start in life GIULIA BERTOGLIO: And you also looked at jobs as well can you tell me what is the difference between this remote jobs program and the CDP MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY: We came to government saying that we would abolish the Community Development Program and that is exactly what we are doing because we want to see dignity in the workplace all the entitlements that ordinary workers in Australia get It is important that our communities across Australia have the ability to offer these jobs where people feel proud to work GIULIA BERTOGLIO: And unemployment rates in this region are quite high And can it create jobs that are sustainable long term MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY: I visited Lily Lagoon Resort this morning and was heartened by what I saw there We have 17 employees there as part of this whole initiative I know that it is very possible in all communities across Australia to do that I spoke to participants who said that it made them very happy to get up in the morning That's the kind of inspiration we need to see for all Australians and in particular First Nations people in our communities who all have been asking to just have good and decent jobs GIULIA BERTOGLIO: Kununurra is a remote town but WA also has some of the most remote communities in Australia Have you visited these communities and if so MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY: I've certainly spoken to representatives from those communities in terms of general meetings in Perth or whether they've come to Canberra to see me and lobby for their particular communities jobs is our mantra and it certainly is theirs as well They want to be able to care for their family on good pay They want to be able to have their own homes and be able to afford these things And our government is firmly behind rolling out these 3,000 jobs GIULIA BERTOGLIO: And those communities obviously have a unique set of challenges Do you plan to maybe visit them in the future as well There is no community without its own story But I am firmly of the view that every Australian in this country wants to see a better place and is filled with hope for themselves and their family is providing that in all these initiatives the Liberals would like to see the cashless debit card reinstated What are your views and what have you heard from people in different communities MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY: We came to government with the firm policy of abolishing the cashless debit card We know that that was really important to do We're rolling out a thousand rangers across the country We're also rolling out 500 participants in the health practitioner space who just want to take us back to the dark ages GIULIA BERTOGLIO: And you spoke about services which is one of the things that people ask for a lot what more would you tell people that your government could do in this space MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY: We would like to be re-elected; to keep doing the good work we're doing in our communities across Australia and providing for families in safe places across the country GIULIA BERTOGLIO: Maybe one more if it's okay the poll results show that actually the Kimberley was in support of a Voice to Parliament how are you going to move forward from that MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY: We accepted the decision of the Australian people What we are doing here today with Minister Anne Aly is on the request of the people of Kununurra and the Kimberley We are working on closing the gap and today's step is one of those strong initiatives Subscribe and stay up to date Connect with us PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land here’s a wrap of the best Kununurra accommodation Two words: tropical escape. Kununurra’s newest and only executive-style, self-contained accommodation offers a selection of studios and one to three-bedroom apartments Book a stay in one of the suites at Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments Crawl into a cabana beside the stunning resort-style pool and depart feeling totally refreshed seclusion… and free airport (transfers during office hours) seal the deal Start the day with a refreshing morning dip An attractive caravan park set on the green lawns alongside Lily Creek Lagoon, Kimberley Waterfront Holiday Park has waterfront villas For your downtime jump in the pool or grab a local mango smoothie from the onsite coffee shop three guest laundries and a modern outdoor kitchen with barbeques for a cook-up Centrally located and friendly on the wallet, the Kununurra Country Club Resort has 88 comfortable rooms and a large pool Drop by the restaurant at Kununurra Country Club Resort dishes up meals featuring locally grown chia while the drinks’ menu boasts a range of products from the nearby Hoochery Distillery Complimentary airport pickups and parking right outside the door sweeten the deal Breakfast is served at the onsite restaurant Just a five-minute walk from an ideal picnic spot at Celebrity Tree Park, this 73-room resort has a 25-metre pool Rooms are huge and feature varying combinations of up to three single beds a family room with a king and bunk bed and spa suites for those who want to live it up a little hence the hotel has regular security patrols throughout the night and signage in the room reminding guests to lock their doors Enjoy modern comforts at The Kimberley Grande Resort If you’re seeking a peaceful stay within walking distance of the town centre, make a beeline for the friendly Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort Bed down in a cosy cabin at Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort 133 powered sites and 20 sites with ensuites The resort has plenty of cabins to choose from this gem of a campground sits on a farm that overlooks the stunning Ord Valley the peace and serenity are only broken by the odd gentle mooing of a friendly poddy calf A stay at Ord Valley Delight offers remote camping like no other With five tent sites, Ord Valley Delight will suit the self-contained camper who can manage without any facilities – don’t forget to bring your own water One for the fishers out there. Hairy Dogs Fishing Camp is located on the banks of the Ord River you’ll feel close to nature at this campsite with river views Drive across scenic landscapes towards the Hairy Dogs Fishing Camp potable water and an ablution block with showers and flushing toilets you’ll be a very comfy fisher/camper indeed One to watch, The Cambridge is in the process of becoming a bigger and better hotel complex with major works planned through to 2024/25 Within walking distance to the town centre and an easy five-minute free shuttle from Kununurra Airport Cambridge is shaping up to be fit for royalty Located in the centre of Kununurra, Kimberley Croc Motel has lush tropical gardens a pool and basic but clean and comfy rooms With a supermarket across the street and a fish and chips shop attached to the facility Pets are welcome in specific rooms at this quiet and secure property Locally known as ‘The Pub’, Hotel Kununurra was established in the 1960s and has been a mainstay of the local population since the pub still remains a beloved meeting place for the local community If you like a bit of old-fashioned hotel charm Located on the shores of Lake Kununurra, this spacious park offers a range of caravan park sites and modern cabin accommodation boating and birdwatching or just unwinding Access by light aircraft, float plane and helicopter, Kimberley Coastal Camp is nestled on the pristine shores of the Admiralty Gulf sleeping two lucky people king or twin share Step outside your accommodation for a splash in the pool this camp is the ideal place to hide away from the crowds and spend your time fishing viewing ancient rock art or simply chilling out Rent a boat for fishing at Kimberley Coastal Camp Located 280 kilometres northwest of Kununurra and only accessible by helicopter or light aircraft, Faraway Bay is nestled on a rocky hilltop overlooking the turquoise Timor Sea Sip coffee by the waterfront at Faraway Bay abundant fresh and saltwater fishing and a plethora of wildlife the eight spacious cabins are simple but elegant and feature private outdoor showers with ocean views Only accessible by air, getting to Berkeley is half the adventure. Situated on sandhills overlooking the entrance to the Berkeley River the villas have superb 180-degree views of the coast Stay near the coast at Berkeley River Lodge air-con and is in walking distance to the pool and restaurant Soak up staggering views from the infinity pool Located 110 kilometres west of Kununurra, El Questro Wilderness Park encompasses thermal springs Get cosy in a luxury safari tent at El Questro Wilderness Park It also boasts an excellent range of accommodation – from the super luxe Homestead to camping beside the river and pre-erected tents this 700,000-acre slice of Kimberley wilderness has an accommodation option to suit every budget ‘Caravan park’ and ‘world-class pool’. It’s not often that you get those two phrases in one sentence, but Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park does exactly that with its 35-metre infinity edge pool Sit on the edge of the pool and take in the incredible landscape With unrestricted views across Lake Argyle this watery paradise is one of the Kimberley’s most Instagrammed Sleeping options include plenty of grassy powered and unpowered sites studio cabins and one-to-four-bedroom luxe villas with lake views Make Lake Argyle Resort your next paradise retreat Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" What’s more rejuvenating than a few nights under the stars Broome and the stunning Dampier Peninsula is home to some ridiculously cool.. There are many wondrous things to see along the 660-kilometre Gibb River Road in Western Australia's Kimberley but Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work Crossing the border into the Northern Territory and watching the edge of the Kimberleys fade away in my mirrors I was really hoping something would draw me back I was about 10 minutes into the Northern Territory when I saw a sign south to Halls Creek and the Buntine Highway I had a quick look at the map to see what was south and it all looked good to explore The sign said that Halls Creek was nearly 450km away and that this was a remote and isolated area where travellers proceed at their own risk I found Duncan Road just like many other outback roads easy to drive after dropping some air out of the tyres and with stunning scenery to pass the miles away Along its length I was expecting a nice drive through savannah-type country but honestly I was travelling on the eastern edge of the Kimberley region the whole way down intersecting stunning mountains with million-year-old rock formations covered with spinifex Heading down Duncan Road there are several rivers and creeks that are safe for swimming and some really nice rock pools and gorges where you can set up camp for the night Just make sure you respect the country where you stop to ensure it won’t be closed to future travellers; all along Duncan Road is private property The project was to regenerate and stabilise some severely eroded sections of the Ord River catchment which covered nearly 10,000km² removed feral donkeys and cattle and reseeded the damaged and barren areas I was a bit bemused seeing potential flood warning signs along the way but after seeing just how wide some rivers and creeks get in flood season I was amazed by just how much water must flow through this area Duncan Road ends at Nicholson Station at the Buntine Highway where I would continue west towards Halls Creek I didn’t see any Kimberley boab trees along this section of my journey I camped 50km shy of there at Sawpit Gorge There is a narrow and slow track into the gorge where there are two camping areas near the Black Elvire River There’s a towering rock wall on one side and sandy shaded banks on the other where raging flood waters have cut a path over time It’s a secluded and beautiful location to stop Free overnight camping is allowed and there’s an eco toilet and rubbish bins here There are several walking trails along the creek to spot wildlife or to find a private swimming hole and I have no doubt you will appreciate the tranquility a popular local swimming hole is Palm Springs this palm-fringed spring-fed pool also has free camping With permanent water it’s called ‘an oasis in the desert’ where palms and soft grasses line the waterhole It’s thought that Afghan teamsters planted the original date palms found here where they used the springs for drinking water and to grow vegetables Old Halls Creek was the site of the original gold mining community where prospectors followed the gold up the creeks and gullies from Brockman to Old Halls Creek some of the original mud buildings are protected under a huge shed from the belting sun and weather The 1885 gold rush was short and sharp here At its peak the town had stores for commercial and private trade Out the back of the old town there’s a memorial for the RFDS that was erected for the service’s 90th anniversary as this is the location where the idea for a remote doctor service originated Further towards Halls Creek a natural phenomenon has occurred where softer rock has weathered away leaving a striking pure white quartz wall rising up to six metres out of the ground the white quartz stands out along its length over several mountains and into the gullies It’s said that this wall of quartz can be traced all the way north to Kununurra A horse track back in the late 1800s up to Wyndham and the huts were built as rest stops or hotels These are of significant historical value to the area With amazing history and dramatic landscapes following the Ord River I personally consider the Duncan Road to be one of the most scenic in the whole of the Kimberley Duncan Road is a 445km drive north-south on the eastern side of the WA border with the NT and with another 100km of side diversions this is great adventure drive structures and with the added drive into Old Halls Creek and the stunning Sawpit Gorge Stunning landscapes on the eastern side of the amazing Bungle Bungle Ranges right down into the southern end with camping at Sawpit Gorge and exploring the old mud hut ruins of Old Halls Creek plus the story behind the start of the RFDS Most relevant information can be found on the Hema’s WA Kimberley Atlas and Guide there is plenty of history and natural wonders to explore Road conditions can be found on both the WA and NT shire sites as Duncan Road wanders down through both states ABC News News HomeRescue operation continues in WA after raft capsizes in Drysdale River 79yo man missingShare Rescue operation continues in WA after raft capsizes in Drysdale River 79yo man missingBy Esse Deves The Drysdale River National Park is located about 550 kilometres north-west of Kununurra in the Kimberley (FILE photo). (Supplied: Sophie Holt) Authorities are currently embarking on a rescue operation in Western Australia's far north. Two people who were travelling as part of a rafting group in the Drysdale River National Park got caught in fast-flowing water on Monday afternoon. A 79-year-old man remains unaccounted for, while a 59-year-old man was rescued uninjured. Link copiedShareShare articleEmergency Services are continuing a rescue operation in Western Australia's remote Kimberley on Wednesday after two men travelling in a rafting group got caught in fast-flowing water, with one still unaccounted for. Police said they received a call for assistance about 1pm on Monday for two people "in the water" at Drysdale River, about 150 kilometres west of Wyndham and 3,000km north of Perth. On Wednesday afternoon, police confirmed a 79-year-old man had fallen into the water and had not been found. A 59-year-old man, who jumped into the river in an attempt to provide assistance, got caught in a fast-flowing current. He was later found in a tree about 15 metres from the shore, was rescued about 6pm on Monday and did not require medical attention. The men were part of a group of five people, accompanied by tour guides, on a multi-day rafting trip, police have confirmed. A Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) spokesperson said a call was initially received saying a 'boat' had capsized. Police and DFES crews travelled to the rescue site by helicopter due to the remoteness of the area. Kimberley District Detective Superintendent John Hutchison said overnight rain had made the operation more difficult. "Serious weather concerns and difficult terrain in this very remote area have made this a difficult search and rescue operation," he said. "The search area is inaccessible by road, and rising water levels due to overnight rainfall only adds to the complexities. "WA Police are committed to the task with officers remaining on scene overnight.  The operation is ongoing and we are using every resource at our disposal to bolster search efforts." The remote Drysdale River National Park, which spans 4,000 square kilometres in the far north Kimberley, is largely inaccessible, with no roads and rugged terrain. Why Trump wants to reopen an infamous US prison — and whether it's possibleTopic:Explainer BWH Hotels has announced the signing of its first hotel management agreement in Australia with the Cambridge Hotel Kununurra in Western Australia This agreement marks BWH Hotels’ expansion into hotel management operations across the Australia and New Zealand region complementing its existing franchise operations BWH Hotels assumes hotel management rights in May with a complete rebrand to Best Western Cambridge Hotel Kununurra scheduled for completion in June The hotel is taking a three-stage approach to its relaunch Stage one sees the hotel open with 49 fully refurbished rooms; stage two presents an extension of the hotel’s facilities wellness centre and a pool bar; with the final third stage of the relaunch almost doubling the hotel’s capacity with an extra 48 new guest rooms The hotel also features an onsite restaurant Ideally positioned just five minutes’ drive from Kununurra Airport and within a short walking distance to the town centre the hotel provides convenient access to local shops Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang) serves as the eastern gateway to the Kimberley region The area is rich in indigenous culture and offers visitors unparalleled adventure opportunities from river cruises and freshwater springs to scenic flights over dramatic wilderness areas The town’s proximity to the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park home to the 350-million-year-old Bungle Bungle Range “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our regional growth strategy,” BWH Hotels Australasia “The expansion into hotel management is a natural progression for our business allowing us to leverage our extensive operational expertise while delivering exceptional value to hotel owners and memorable experiences to guests.” “We’re thrilled to partner with BWH Hotels to elevate the Cambridge Hotel Kununurra to new heights,” Cambridge Gulf Limited chief executive officer “Their proven management expertise and global distribution strength will significantly enhance our property’s commercial returns BWH also shares in our ongoing commitment to the Kununurra community to provide greater employment opportunities and to strengthen business resilience for Australia’s North West tourism region.” The hotel serves both business travellers as well as domestic and international leisure travellers exploring the Bungle Bungles and the greater Kimberley region BWH’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences will be central to their management approach with accommodations and services tailored to independent BWH Hotels’ expansion into hotel management in Australia draws on the organisation’s significant management experience in the Asia Pacific region where nearly one-third of BWH Hotels in Thailand are directly managed by the company With a strong development pipeline already established for Australia and New Zealand BWH Hotels is positioned for dynamic growth in the region You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience Western Australia’s state-owned regional energy provider Horizon Power has officially launched the trial of a vanadium flow battery in the state’s north as it investigates how to integrate long-duration energy storage into its network Horizon Power has commissioned a 78 kW / 220 kWh vanadium flow battery (VFB) at Kununurra in Western Australia’s (WA) north as it examines how the technology can be best utilised to support renewable energy supply in regional and remote areas The pilot project will test whether VFB technology – which proponents say can provide up to 12 hours of storage and operate across a wide temperature range – can solve technical challenges associated with establishing long-duration energy storage solutions in extreme environments Horizon Power Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Unwin said this is the first time vanadium flow technology has been tested in WA and if successful it will be a real game changer for clean and reliable energy for regional and remote communities is a challenging environment for battery energy storage,” she said “Piloting the vanadium flow battery in these extreme conditions will help us to learn more about its capabilities and the potential for it to be effectively integrated into our network much of which is subject to extreme temperatures.” The 220 kWh battery has been sourced from United Kingdom-based manufacturer Invinity Energy Systems but supplied by Perth-headquartered company VSUN Energy a subsidiary of Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL) which has handled the installation and commissioning AVL Chief Executive Officer Graham Arvidson said the VFB technology provides a “proven” alternative to the lithium-ion battery technology that currently dominates stationary energy storage applications “It’s not R&D and why you don’t see them everywhere yet in places like Australia is because the new-use case is only arriving now.” “It’s now really coming into its own with the energy transition because we’re looking at longer-duration batteries. We are entering a completely new phase of the energy sector where the economics of these batteries will become very compelling.” and long-duration storage capacity of vanadium flow batteries suggests they could play a vital role in reducing the use of fossil fuels in power generation particularly in harsh environments and remote locations Horizon said the Kununurra pilot project will provide it with valuable operational experience and understanding of VFB technology. The 12-month pilot will also provide it with lessons on how to integrate long-duration energy storage into its network and off-grid power systems “We look forward to learning more about the potential for this technology to be effectively integrated into our network supporting future battery deployment across our footprint,” Unwin said Horizon is responsible for delivering energy solutions across a service area covering 2.3 million square kilometres. It operates the North West Interconnected System (NWIS) in the Pilbara region, the smaller Esperance network, as well as 34 microgrids in regional towns and remote communities More articles from David Carroll Please be mindful of our community standards By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy By subscribing to our newsletter you’ll be eligible for a 10% discount on magazine subscriptions Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" pv magazine Australia offers bi-weekly updates of the latest photovoltaics news We also offer comprehensive global coverage of the most important solar markets worldwide up to date information delivered straight to your inbox Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value" This website uses cookies to anonymously count visitor numbers. To find out more, please see our Data Protection Policy. × The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this Close The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is contributing $3.9 million to the construction on top of the $10.6 million in State support $500,000 of State funds and $150,000 of council funds went towards planning and design expenses The new pool is part of the Kununurra Aquatic and Leisure Centre re-development project that has already seen the building of a $3.2 million water playground that opened in 2022 As part of the cost savings to make the 50-metre pool possible the existing 25-metre pool will be demolished at the start of construction instead of the end so the town will be without a pool for 18 months The change to the scope of the plan occurred due to community demand for the 50-metre pool option Construction is due to start in August 2024 and is scheduled for completion in December 2025 Video (below): Architect's view of the proposed Kunnunurra Aquatic and Leisure Centre redevelopment Video courtesy of Donovan Payne Architects Visit the media hub to contact the media team Media hub The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land We pay tribute and our respects to Elders past and present Learn about Aboriginal history Sign up for newsletters Help us improve our service or tell us what is working really well Leave your feedback Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time A deep-storage battery being trialled in Kununurra in the Kimberley region of Western Australia could solve the clean energy challenge for some of the nation’s most remote communities As well as being a challenging environment to live or work in hot and humid Kununurra is not connected to the state or national electricity grid “A lot of our communities are remote and do struggle with the cost of living and we don’t want them to miss out on the energy transition,” Horizon Power’s executive general manager for business development and strategy Vi Garrood said “And we don’t want to compromise on safety – that’s why small-scale trials are really important,” she said The vanadium flow battery won’t power cars but it can store energy for 10-12 hours and help homes and worksites to displace diesel and gas with clean Horizon is using the trial to learn how to provide safe reliable off-grid power during extreme temperatures and major weather events “It’s one of the technologies we need to get us to net zero and running on 100 per cent renewables for periods of time,” Garrood said A concept illustration of and energy storage system.Credit: Shutterstock/Utility Magazine After stress-testing the technology in Kununurra it could be rolled out across Horizon’s microgrids and other systems “Each battery design is examined on the basis of what application we need it for – so what is the problem it’s solving,” she said With a 78-kilowatt capacity and 220 kilowatt-hours of storage WA Energy Minister Reece Whitby says the vanadium battery is well suited to Kimberley conditions where energy storage must cope with extreme temperatures and deliver energy over a long period of time “We know that the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow so batteries are the answer in terms of capturing that energy when it’s available and dispatching it when it’s really needed “The eyes of the energy world are looking at Kununurra to see how this goes.” Horizon is also trialling Redflow’s zinc bromine flow battery (100 kW/400 kWh) on Nullagine’s microgrid and BASF’s sodium sulphur battery (250 kW/1450 kWh) at Carnarvon The various technologies can shift rooftop solar electricity produced in the middle of the day to evening hours and operate alongside existing lithium-ion batteries in Horizon’s network for remote communities and mining operations network and retail components all within the particular community they are supporting Garrood said deep-storage batteries can cover periods of “renewable drought” when there is minimal generation “Long-duration energy storage is important for us because it’s predicted to be cost-effective when compared to lithium-ion batteries,” she said “It could open the door to taking our small microgrid communities to 100 per cent renewable energy – that’s the plan.” “Our best chance of success at decarbonisation is to throw everything at it and deep storage is one of many solutions in our toolkit,” she said As the technology is based around a tank of liquid electrolytes They can be scaled up and save space by adding more tanks rather than shipping in container-sized lithium batteries It’s also very important to have local support and gain experience when trialling new technology especially for systems that are in remote locations and typically automated an offshoot of mining company Australian Vanadium Ltd (AVL) can charge and discharge energy at the same time and the units have a life span of more than 25 years With most of the world’s vanadium supply coming from Russia AVL intends to provide an ethical supply of vanadium to battery Their electrolyte manufacturing facility in WA is part of a “pit to battery” strategy that could support the rollout of vanadium flow batteries in Australia according to chief executive Graham Arvidson the 40-year-old technology was invented in Australia at the University of NSW and has been grid-connected for 20 years in other countries “It’s really coming into its own with the energy transition because we’re looking at long-duration batteries to enable renewable energy like solar to be shifted from day to evening,” Arvidson we’re looking forward to a true test of what it can do for communities like Kununurra,” he said A deep-storage battery being trialled in Kununurra in the Kimberley region of Western Australia could solve the clean energy challenge for some of the nation\\u2019s most remote communities \\u201CA lot of our communities are remote and do struggle with the cost of living and we don\\u2019t want them to miss out on the energy transition,\\u201D Horizon Power\\u2019s executive general manager for business development and strategy Vi Garrood said \\u201CAnd we don\\u2019t want to compromise on safety \\u2013 that\\u2019s why small-scale trials are really important,\\u201D she said The vanadium flow battery won\\u2019t power cars As the state\\u2019s regional power provider \\u201CIt\\u2019s one of the technologies we need to get us to net zero and running on 100 per cent renewables for periods of time,\\u201D Garrood said it could be rolled out across Horizon\\u2019s microgrids and other systems \\u201CEach battery design is examined on the basis of what application we need it for \\u2013 so what is the problem it\\u2019s solving,\\u201D she said will do the job very well,\\u201D Whitby said \\u201CWe know that the sun doesn\\u2019t always shine and the wind doesn\\u2019t always blow so batteries are the answer in terms of capturing that energy when it\\u2019s available and dispatching it when it\\u2019s really needed \\u201CThe eyes of the energy world are looking at Kununurra to see how this goes.\\u201D Horizon is also trialling Redflow\\u2019s zinc bromine flow battery (100 kW/400 kWh) on Nullagine\\u2019s microgrid and BASF\\u2019s sodium sulphur battery (250 kW/1450 kWh) at Carnarvon The various technologies can shift rooftop solar electricity produced in the middle of the day to evening hours and operate alongside existing lithium-ion batteries in Horizon\\u2019s network Most of Horizon\\u2019s systems are microgrids Garrood said deep-storage batteries can cover periods of \\u201Crenewable drought\\u201D when there is minimal generation \\u201CLong-duration energy storage is important for us because it\\u2019s predicted to be cost-effective when compared to lithium-ion batteries,\\u201D she said \\u201CIt could open the door to taking our small microgrid communities to 100 per cent renewable energy \\u2013 that\\u2019s the plan.\\u201D \\u201COur best chance of success at decarbonisation is to throw everything at it and deep storage is one of many solutions in our toolkit,\\u201D she said It\\u2019s also very important to have local support and gain experience when trialling new technology With most of the world\\u2019s vanadium supply coming from Russia Their electrolyte manufacturing facility in WA is part of a \\u201Cpit to battery\\u201D strategy that could support the rollout of vanadium flow batteries in Australia \\u201CIt\\u2019s really coming into its own with the energy transition because we\\u2019re looking at long-duration batteries to enable renewable energy like solar to be shifted from day to evening,\\u201D Arvidson \\u201CNow that this battery is commissioned we\\u2019re looking forward to a true test of what it can do for communities like Kununurra,\\u201D he said The Western Australian Government will pilot a long-duration vanadium flow battery in Kununurra The vanadium flow battery boasts a 78kW capacity and 220kWh of storage making it well suited to Kimberley conditions where energy storage must be temperature resilient and capable of delivering energy over a long period of time Related article: Horizon Power’s vanadium flow battery passes factory tests The pilot will also provide Horizon Power with lessons on how to integrate long-duration energy storage into its network Battery storage already plays a critical role in WA’s energy mix with large-scale batteries in Kwinana and Collie absorbing excess rooftop solar power during the day and redistributing it at night when demand for energy is greater VSUN Energy, a subsidiary of Australian Vanadium and will collaborate with Horizon Power on system support testing over the next 12 months is a challenging environment for battery energy storage Piloting the vanadium flow battery in these extreme conditions will help us to learn more about its capabilities and the potential for it to be effectively integrated into our network much of which is subject to extreme temperatures Related article: Electric dream becomes reality with WA EV Network “We look forward to collaborating with VSUN Energy and testing this cutting-edge technology over the next 12 months “This long duration energy storage pilot supports our focus on solving the important technical challenge of long duration storage and performance in extreme environments supporting us with our decarbonisation goals.” Sign up to receive the latest Energy News emailed directly to your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below) so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue is a place for curious travellers with extraordinary encounters on its doorstep sitting idle: Kununurra is hardly a place for either Western Australia's northern town is a springboard to some of the world's most remarkable landscapes and far-flung odysseys Visit the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park famed for its distinct beehive-dome formations See wildlife in abundance along the twisting Ord River Grasp the spectacular outcome of modern ingenuity at the dammed freshwater lake Drive along the legendary Gibb River Road to the outback oasis Stay curious by filling your days with adventures and extraordinary sights with our top 18 things to do in Kununurra *Price displayed is for a one-way Economy fare Fare displayed has been collected within the last 48hrs and may no longer be available at time of booking Get the Akubra hat ready to experience the magic of the Kimberley in one giant extravaganza The Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster is one of Australia's top regional events the Kimberley's biggest party in Kununurra includes an exciting line-up of indigenous cultural events Make a night of it at the Aviair HeliSpirit Kimberley Moon Experience – a concert under the stars – and the black-tie Kimberley Fine Diamonds Dinner More info: ordvalleymuster.com.au Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley) is moments from Kununurra's town centre Considered a mini-version of the Bungle Bungle range the park's rock formations resemble the World Heritage site with its beehive-like horizontal layers You'll also be blown away by the many rock art and engravings throughout the park which are of great cultural significance for the local Miriwoong people More info: exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/mirima-national-park What were once ranges are now towering islands in a lake Lake Argyle is the state's largest man-made lake covering roughly 1,000 km² – 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour The stunning reservoir forms part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and is best explored by boat Lake Argyle Cruises offers a range of tours to best experience this unique setting More info: lakeargylecruises.com Reel in the region's prized fish on an intrepid fishing tour with East Kimberley Charters The locally owned and operated charter takes avid fishing enthusiasts to a far-flung locale in the Cambridge Gulf to have a chance of catching the highly sought barramundi Board a 6.6m marine vessel from Wyndham to venture into the region's most remote waterways Cruise along teal waterways fringed by mangroves passing sporadic fields of tawny round rocks with burnished orange ranges in the distance to find your fishing spot Cast a line at 'drunken trees' in water – a magnet for finned predators sourcing their food – to land your catch The intimate charter trip is an adventurous way to experience the Kimberley wilderness with all meals drinks with complimentary alcoholic beverages (for adults only) The Kimberley is blessed with many waterfalls but there's one the locals want to keep to themselves Black Rock Falls is a diamond in the rough It is best to view the falls during the wet season after heavy rains when waterfalls have a heavy flow More info: visitkununurra.com/learn/argyle-diamonds/black-rock-falls This picturesque spring-fed pool and waterfall is 30km north of Kununurra and is considered one of the region's best-kept secrets It's a place to spot local wildlife and appreciate the region's colourful pockets More info: visitkununurra.com/learn/argyle-diamonds/molly-springs Enjoy life in the slow lane cruising along the snaking Ord River Triple J Tours offers Australia's longest continuous daily river cruise journeying 55km between Kununurra and the dam wall at Lake Argyle The cruise is regarded as one of the Kimberley's most fascinating river cruises Move by switching sceneries from seas of lily pads to one of the country's greatest irrigation schemes including myriad bird species and crocodiles lurking on riverbanks Half-day or full-day tours are available to make the most of this remarkable stretch of the Ord River More info: Triple J Tours On a dessert farm just outside Kununurra is Western Australia's oldest continuously operating (legal) still and gins made mostly of locally sourced ingredients revealing how each spirit is crafted and includes tastings More info: hoochery.com.au Enjoy a bird's eye view of one of Australia's most spectacular waterfalls also known as Punamii-Uunpuu to the Wunambal people is one of the region's most photographed sights with its four-tiered waterfall luring waterfall chasers One of the top things to do in Kununurra is to take a scenic flight over the falls Kingfisher Tours offers various itineraries to sightsee the falls from above and include a trek with a local Aboriginal guide More info: kingfishertours.com.au The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle is a geological wonder The peculiar formation – a ginormous field of beehive-like orange and black sandstone domes – soars 300 metres above savannah plains and seemingly out of nowhere This spectacular scenery can be found in Purnululu National Park Within the park are a series of walking trails to get close to these far-flung icons including a tour of the natural amphitheatre To truly grasp the enormity of these beehive-like structures hop on a scenic flight to realise just how surreal landscapes in the outback can be More info: exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/purnululu-national-park Walk the Kimberley's red carpet with a visit to Celebrity Tree Park While Hollywood has its famed star plaques the Kimberley has trees planted by visiting celebrities their influence deeply rooted in the town's history The peaceful park fringes the Ord River's Lily Creek Lagoon making it a perfect spot for a picnic and one of the top things to do in Kununurra for free More info: visitkununurra.com Hit the legendary Gibb River Road to visit the biologically blessed wonderland Western Australia's version of Eden is an adventurer's playground home to some of the state's most iconic sights This picturesque natural pool is surrounded by a lush fern wall and trickling waterfall making it one of the region's most visited sites Embark on a day trip or stay a few nights to explore the working cattle station's numerous natural beauty spots – rugged summits gorge hiking trails and topsy-turvy four-wheel-drive tracks More info: elquestro.com.au See the Kimberley in a world of colour at Waringarri Aboriginal Arts The renowned arts centre celebrates the local Miriwoong culture It is the Kimberley's first wholly indigenous-owned art centre established and one of the oldest art centres in the country See artists' creating their next masterpiece in the studio and appreciate their works displayed in the galleries The centre proudly champions over 100 artists wood cravers to boab engravers throughout the region Cultural tours and live performances are hosted throughout the year to provide insight into the Miriwoong culture Make sure to take a piece of the Kimberley home with many artworks for sale More info: waringarriarts.com.au Give the glutes a workout hiking to the top of Kelly's Knob Lookout The summit is Kununurra's highest point rising 191 metres above the town and plains The trail is a 1.2km round trip that will get the heart racing and can be challenging in some areas but worth the epic climb spot what's what of Kununurra's outstanding sceneries: Elephant Rock Kununurra town and the Ord River Irrigation scheme We suggest hiking at sunset or sunrise to make the most of cooler weather and watch the red earth glow below The concrete causeway was initially built as part of the Kununurra to Wyndham Road over the Ord River it attracts off-road enthusiasts to make a splash on four wheels (only when the water level is low) The area also attracts avid fishers vying to catch barramundi standing on the crossing itself is not recommended due to its elusive residents lurking about – crocodiles Add some pink shine to your jewellery collection but you can still purchase the striking Argyle pink diamond from one of the town's boutiques Head to long-time jewellery retailer Nina’s Jewellery and the leading supplier of the rare diamond Kimberley Fine Diamonds to see the world’s rare pink diamonds crafted into beautiful jewels Both stores also stock other naturally coloured diamonds sourced in the region for a truly unique statement piece More info: kimberleyfinediamonds.com.au Once pumping out water is now pumping out some of East Kimberley's most tantalising cuisines Initially part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme The PumpHouse is now one of the region's most scenic places to dine Devour modern Australian fare in historic surroundings while watching a striking sunset over the waterway and ranges More info: pumphousekununurra.com.au Gain fascinating insight into the region's pastoral pioneers with a visit to Argyle Downs Homestead Museum the historic homestead was once home to the Durack family – a famous name throughout the region the family were early settlers and the first to take up extensive pastoral leases and build a permanent home the heritage home showcases the region's pastoral history and the legacy of the Duracks More info: argylehomesteadmuseum.com.au In the spirit of reconciliation Virgin Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today