The Federal Government is providing first port of entry to three critical ports in Western Australia’s north, as well as a major package to boost community infrastructure in the state’s regions.
Applications for expanded border services at Wyndham, Ashburton and Dampier have been given the green light by the Federal Government, allowing goods subject to biosecurity and other controls to land and enter Australia.
This will allow for more direct international shipping, meaning businesses and industries in the north will be able to import and export goods closer to their operations, without having to transit through ports further way.
This will benefit businesses and communities particularly in the East Kimberley and Pilbara regions, cutting costs, boosting productivity, providing jobs, and improving the resilience of Western Australia supply chains, including for clean energy and green fuel projects.
The Federal Government is also announcing over $200 million to boost housing and deliver community infrastructure in Western Australia’s regions.
1,367 new homes are set to be unlocked across the state, with almost $90 million for projects that will deliver critical infrastructure such as water, power and roads, such as:
- $32.8 million for the Wheatbelt Regional Housing Initiative to unlock over 400 homes across ten shires in the Wheatbelt region
- $22.1 million to unlock 591 new homes in Karratha
- $14.2 million to unlock 86 new homes in a new development in Lockyer
Homes are not complete without the infrastructure that creates a community. The Federal Government is also funding projects – such as cultural and sporting hubs, town precincts and parks – to improve the lives of locals in the regions.
This includes $22.8 million from the regional Precincts and Partnerships program as well as over $89 million from the Growing Regions program, with projects such as:
- $1.9 million for concept planning and an implementation strategy for the Kununurra Nganjileg lambagem ‘Riverbank Recreation’ waterfront precinct
- $15 million to construct the Newman Youth and Community Hub, including a barbeque area, sports court, cycling track, sporting complex and childcare facilities
- $13.2 million for the Wyndham Community Boat Launching Facility providing a floating access pontoon system, new carparking, footpaths and landscaping to increase local tourism and fishing business activity
- $7.8 million for the Martu Arts Centres Improvement Project delivering three new arts centres to provide places of learning and culture for communities.
- $15.5 million to support the construction and revitalisation of the Carnarvon CBD
- $19.6 million for the Wyndham Multi-Purpose Community Hub in East Kimberley, which will provide sporting, educational, training and arts facilities, as well as an evacuation shelter
These projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to listening to local voices and funding priorities that benefit Western Australia’s regions.
The Housing Support Program is one of a range of measures designed to help achieve the ambitious national target of building 1.2 million new, well-located homes over the next five years.
The Growing Regions Program delivers investment in community infrastructure across Australia’s regional, rural and remote areas.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government is building Australia’s Future, investing more than $200 million across Western Australia in housing and important community infrastructure.
“Regional Western Australia is a beautiful place to live, work and visit, and my government wants to ensure it has the housing and amenities it needs to continue to grow and thrive,” Mr Albanese said.
“We always look for ways to support businesses and communities – which is why the changes to First Port of Entry will make a huge difference across the East Kimberley and Pilbara, shoring up local jobs and supply chains.”
Western Australia Premier, Roger Cook, said, “First point of entry is a critically important decision that will unlock significant economic opportunities across the Kimberley and Pilbara, supporting local business, local jobs and local communities.
“Allowing direct imports and exports 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 for economic development in the region.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “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.
“With the number of vessels to pass through the Port of Wyndham each year expected to double by 2033, this decision backs in critical Western Australian businesses and supports communities in the north east 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, demonstrating how we are investing in the future of Western Australia.
“Western Australia has experienced impressive growth in recent years as more people choose to make a life in the west, and our investments are ensuring the state’s growing regions have housing and infrastructure that supports communities to thrive.”
