Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and continued his string of pre-election announcements, with expanded border services at Wyndham, Ashburton and Dampier all given the green light by the federal government.
The new approvals mean the sites will now be able to receive goods subject to biosecurity and other controls to enter Australia, meaning the regions – particularly the East Kimberley and Pilbara – will be able to import and export goods closer to their operations.
It is expected the move will help businesses in the region cut costs, boost productivity and provide further employment opportunities.
“First point of entry is a critically important decision that will unlock significant economic opportunities across the Kimberley and Pilbara, supporting local businesses, local jobs and local communities,” Albanese says.
“Allowing direct imports through Wyndham Port is a major boost for the East Kimberley’s agricultural, resources and tourism industries, reducing costs for local businesses and kickstarting a new era of economic development for the region.
“We always look for ways to support businesses and communities – which is why the First Port of Entry will make a huge difference across the East Kimberley and Pilbara, shoring up local jobs and supply chains.”
The green-lit First Port of Entry expansion to the key sites follows significant investment promises to upgrade the Port of Dampier, and has helped bolster predictions of a doubling of traffic through the Port of Wyndham over the next decade.
“Enhanced border services at the ports of Wyndham, Ashburton and Dampier will make a significant difference to local industry and businesses, saving businesses millions in transport costs and time,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says.
“With the number of vessels to pass through Port Wyndham each year expected to double by 2033, this decision backs in critical Western Australian businesses and supports communities in the northeast of the state.
“This builds on other work including our $115 million commitment towards upgrades to common user port infrastructure at the Port of Dampier.”
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