- Major
funding package to boost resilience of Kimberley region
- New
investment to upgrade ports, airports, and road infrastructure
- Kimberley
region impacted by catastrophic floods in 2022 and 2023
- Program
comes on top of the of Fitzroy River Bridge replacement project
The
Cook Labor Government has launched a major new resilience program for the
Kimberley region, which has been impacted by a number of catastrophic weather
events in recent years.
The Kimberley
Resilience Program will include an initial $67.5 million investment into a range
of initiatives and projects that will boost supply chains and support the
region to better respond to emergencies when they occur.
Among
the initial measures being delivered through the program are:
- new infrastructure at
the Port of Broome to build greater import capabilities ($6 million);
- upgrades to airstrips
through the Aboriginal
Community Airstrip Renewal Program ($8 million); and
- replacement of the
single-lane Brooking Channel Bridge with a dual lane crossing ($53.5 million
State Government contribution).
Improving
infrastructure at the Port of Broome will support both the development of the
port as a first point of entry (FPOE) and import capacity in times of
emergency.
The
initial $8 million investment in the Aboriginal Community Airstrip Renewal
Program comes on top of a $750,000 investment in the last State Budget to undertake
climate change adaptation planning on 34 airstrips in remote communities. The
initial funding will be allocated based on the outcomes of the planning work,
targeting airstrips of highest priority.
Replacing
the Brooking Channel Bridge with a dual lane bridge will add to the supply
chain resilience of the region, enhance road safety, and provide ongoing
employment opportunities in the Fitzroy Valley region, following the success of
the Fitzroy River Bridge replacement project.
The
major package comes on top of other projects currently being delivered and
recently completed including:
- the replacement of the
Fitzroy River Bridge ($250 million);
- the replacement of
three single-lane bridges on the Great Northern Highway at Arthur Creek,
Tickalara Creek and Frog Hollow Creek ($33 million joint Federal and State
Government investment);
- sealing 313 kilometres
of the Tanami Road ($542.7 million joint Federal and State Government
investment); and
- sealing the runway at Warmun
airstrip ($5 million).
Further
initiatives are being considered and
may be included in the Kimberley Resilience Program at a later date, with
the State Government engaging closely with the Federal Government on potential
funding arrangements.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"The
Kimberley will always be prone to flooding and cyclones, so it's vital that we
put the region in the best possible position to bounce back from natural
disasters if and when they occur.
"Our
new Kimberley Resilience Program is an important part of my Government's
commitment to always do what's right for the region.
"Helping
Broome to become a first port of entry will significantly reduce the
Kimberley's reliance on the road network, while opening up new trade
opportunities for the State's north."
Comments attributed to Transport Minister
Rita Saffioti:
"We've seen how devastating extreme weather
events can be in the Kimberley region, and this program is about ensuring the
region can better respond to emergencies when they arise and ensure supply
chains are as resilient as possible.
"We are targeting investments in key areas of
the supply chains including at the ports, airports and roads.
"The initiatives we have announced today are
just the start - we are looking at a range of other measures to further boost
the resilience of the region."
Comments attributed to Ports Minister David
Michael:
"The $6 million Budget allocation highlights the Cook Government's
commitment to continue work with the Federal Government to secure expanded FPOE status for the Port of Broome.
"FPOE status would
allow more cargo to be directly imported into Broome's port, supporting local projects
and industries to bring in essential materials cost effectively.
"The Kimberley
Ports Authority will now work with Australian Border Force and the Department
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on the design and development of
essential security and biosecurity infrastructure and a resourcing plan to
facilitate international vessels and cargo arriving in Broome."
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina
D'Anna:
"This
is an important announcement that shows the high priority the Kimberley region
holds for the Cook Labor Government.
"As
Kimberley locals, we know how bad the impact from severe weather can be, which
is why we must continue investing in initiatives that boost resilience."
