The Australian Government has given the green
light for work to continue on efforts to expand the activities that can be
undertaken at the Port of Broome, Western Australia.
This includes working with border agencies on
the requirements to secure expanded First Point of Entry (FPOE) status for the
Port of Broome.
This would allow more cargo to be directly
imported into Broome's port, supporting local industries to bring in materials
and bolstering local trade capacity.
It could also potentially support cruise ships
to travel
directly to Broome from overseas destinations, delivering significant benefits to the
town's economy and surrounding Kimberley region.
The Western Australian Government has welcomed the
Australian Government's decision, which means Kimberley Ports Authority's (KPA)
application for expanded FPOE status has crossed its first hurdle.
Other agencies including Australian Border
Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will now work
with KPA on the design and development of essential security and biosecurity
infrastructure and a resourcing plan to facilitate international vessels and
cargo arriving in Broome.
Quotes
attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The Australian Government is pleased to
announce our support for expanding import capability at the Port of Broome,
which will unlock huge potential for the region's industries and economy -
including in clean energy and green fuels.
"This is an important step for making it
possible to import more cargo directly into Broome, reducing the need to rely
on expensive road transport from distant ports such as Fremantle.
"Cutting down on road transport will also
reduce the carbon footprint of local business and industry, making it a win for
the region's beautiful natural environment as well."
Quotes
attributed to Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Murray Watt:
"Our port infrastructure is a key part of our international
supply chains, supporting our economic growth and opportunities for our
communities.
"My department will now work with the Kimberley
Ports Authority
to ensure it has the infrastructure and procedures in place to effectively
manage the biosecurity risks associated with the proposed expansion. The FPOE
process enables us to be assured the necessary arrangements are in place."
Quotes
attributed to WA Ports Minister David Michael:
"While there is still some way to go, this
decision signals the green light for the project and we hope this means that
the process can now speed up.
"I'd like to thank and congratulate KPA and the
broader Kimberley business community for promoting this project with the Australian
Government over the past two years.
"I now look forward to working with my Australian
Government colleagues to build on this momentum when I visit Canberra next
month as part of the WA Government's push for a stronger working relationship."
Quotes
attributed to WA Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Expanded border services for the Port of
Broome would have a major positive impact in Broome and the surrounding
Kimberley region.
"The ability for cruise ships to come directly
to Broome from overseas in the future would bring more visitors to Broome and
Western Australia - directly supporting our critical tourism industry."
Quotes
attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"If we can boost import capacity at the Port of
Broome, it will cut transport costs significantly and reduce the time it takes
to have goods delivered to the Kimberley."
