Broome marine support base build to begin

Construction of a long-awaited marine support base at Broome Port will begin this year after securing the final piece of its funding puzzle.

Backers of the now-$200 million Kimberley Marine Support Base on Thursday issued formal notice to the Kimberley Ports Authority development would begin in late 2023.

The project was first announced in 2019 and was expected to be operational in 2022, but COVID-led trade uncertainty and rising material costs caused delays.

A new 9,900 square metre floating wharf will enable better access to Broome Port for cargo, cruise and industry vessels often limited by the Kimberley town’s 10-metre tides.

Marine services firm TAMS Group was picked for the build in July 2022.

TAMS expects some 260 construction jobs and 1250 long-term jobs will be supported by the wharf and onshore facilities.

Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna said the development would boost trade capacity in Broome.

“This development will bring immediate and long-term benefits in the form of jobs, economic activity, and additional trade capacity for Broome,” she said.

“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.”

The base is expected to be operational in 2025.

Ports Minister David Michael visited the Broome site on Thursday to announce the development notice.