The federal government has given its approval for work to continue on efforts to expand the activities that can be undertaken at the Port of Broome in Western Australia.
This expanded work 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.
Federal transport and infrastructure minister Catherine King says 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 federal 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,” King says.
“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.”
The Western Australian government has welcomed the federal 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.
WA ports minister David Michael says there’s still some way to go, but this decision signals “the green light for the project”.
“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 federal government over the past two years,” Michael says.
“I now look forward to working with my federal government colleagues to build on this momentum when I visit Canberra in March as part of the WA government’s push for a stronger working relationship.”
WA tourism minister Rita Saffioti says expanded border services at 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,” Saffioti says.