The McGowan Government has approved the proposal for the Kimberley Marine Support Base at the Port of Broome, positioning Broome as the future service hub for the growing oil and gas industry.
The $110 million facility will be constructed and funded by Kimberley Marine Support Base (KMSB) Pty Ltd, and comprise a floating wharf, along with associated on-shore terminal facilities.
KMSB aim to have the new facility operational in early 2022 to capitalise on opportunities associated with new oil and gas projects such as the Browse development, as well as opening up new opportunities in the Kimberley agricultural and resources sectors.
Construction and ongoing operation of the innovative facility will help stimulate both economic and employment opportunities in the Kimberley region and add further capacity at the Port of Broome.
KMSB and the Kimberley Ports Authority will enter a long-term commercial lease for the facility, with Kimberley Ports to provide stevedoring services during construction and the first five years of operation.
KMSB are still required to complete environmental approvals, project and financial agreements and a final design and commissioning plan.
The new facility will complement port upgrades already undertaken by the McGowan Government at the Port of Broome. The recently completed $15.3 million channel dredging project will enhance all-tide vessel access to the port, particularly for large cruise vessels and improve navigational safety within the Port.
As stated by Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“This is an enormous boost for the Kimberley economy and a huge opportunity for regional jobs: it enables Broome to benefit from the growing oil and gas industry in an environmentally sensitive way.
“KMSB estimates that construction of the facility will create more than 250 jobs, while ongoing operations could provide more than 500 permanent jobs in Broome and more than 1,500 jobs Statewide.
“This paves the way for Broome to become the service and logistics hub for the growing oil and gas sector off the North West coast and for export opportunities for the emerging agricultural and resources sector projects in the hinterland – providing long-term jobs for the region.
“Local procurement and employment opportunities for local business and the community will be a priority for the project, ensuring local jobs from construction to completion.
“The new innovative floating wharf will be able to deal with the variable tides in the area, while the opportunity for increased crane lifting capacity will add to the current capacity at the Port of Broome.
“We have also ensured the jobs of the existing port workers over the next seven years.”
As stated by Mining and Pastoral MLC Kyle McGinn:
“I see this investment in this new modern facility in Broome as a critical piece of infrastructure to position Broome for an even better future.
“I strongly believe that the State and industry should continue to capitalise on locally available skills and provide local jobs to further benefit the community.
“To hear that the Kimberley Ports Authority will provide stevedoring services not only during construction but for the first five years is a just reward for what has always been a highly successful and constructive port.
“This is something the community should celebrate as it will be a real boost to the local economy.”
Minister’s office – 6552 6200
