- $200m private investment to modernise marine
infrastructure at the Port of Broome
- Development to include innovative floating wharf
facility
- The project is estimated to create 260 WA jobs
during construction, and sustain 1650 jobs in operation
A $200 million private
investment in new port infrastructure at the Port of Broome, is set to
modernise maritime logistics, and drive significant regional development
opportunities.
Western
Australian-based Kimberley Marine Support Base Pty Ltd (KMSB) has issued formal
notification to the Kimberley Ports Authority (KPA) that it plans to begin
development of the new multi-user facility in late 2023.
The
development is poised to reshape the trade landscape, enhance regional
development, and enhance the Port of Broome as a thriving maritime hub.
The
development is fully privately funded, and is supported by the Cook Government
and KPA.
Over
time, it will also open avenues for diversification, tourism growth, and access
to Asian markets for regional products.
The facility
has been designed to complement the Port of Broome's existing infrastructure, by
adding additional capacity to service the emerging needs of new developments in
the Kimberley.
The facility's
low-impact design leverages naturally occurring deep waters, to create a berth
pocket of at least 17-meters deep at low tide, eliminating the need for
dredging.
It
will incorporate a 9900sqm floating wharf, with heavy lift capability, connected
to a landside abutment, via a wide dual-directional causeway.
The
innovative floating wharf design, will address the significant operational
challenges associated with Broome's large tide variations, ultimately improving
the Port's ability to facilitate trade in a safe, efficient and cost-effective
way.
The
project's economic impact is substantial, with an estimated 260 Western
Australian jobs supported during the construction phase, and a significant
increase in permanent employment opportunities.
During
operations, the trade enhancements brought about by the project will support an
estimated 1650 Western Australian jobs annually.
WA
company Total AMS Pty Ltd has been appointed as the lead contractor to
undertake the works, with completion scheduled for early 2025.
Comments attributed to Ports Minister David
Michael:
"The
Kimberley Marine Support Base facility signifies a momentous leap toward
strengthening our regional infrastructure and enhancing trade pathways.
"This
project aligns with the Cook Government's commitment to fostering economic
growth, ensuring safe operations at our Ports, and boosting connectivity for
our communities.
"I
welcome this significant investment by the proponents of the facility, as a
vote of confidence in the Kimberley economy."
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina
D'Anna:
"This
development will bring immediate and long-term benefits in the form of jobs,
economic activity, and additional trade capacity for Broome.
"I'm
also encouraged that the proponents have engaged with the local Yawuru People
to ensure strong outcomes for Indigenous employment and economic empowerment,
through the construction and operation of the facility."
