The Federal Government has approved efforts to increase the activities that can be undertaken at Port of Broome, Western Australia, including working with border agencies to secure expanded First Point of Entry (FPOE) status for the port.
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.
It could also potentially support cruise ships to travel directly to Broome from overseas destinations, delivering benefits to the town’s economy and surrounding Kimberley region.
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.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that expanding import capability at the Port of Broome will unlock huge potential for the region’s industries and economy – including in clean energy and green fuels.
“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,” Ms King said.
“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.”
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said that port infrastructure is a key part of Australia’s international supply chains, supporting its economic growth and opportunities for its communities.
“My department will now work with the Kimberley Ports Authority to ensure it has the infrastructure and procedures in place to effectively manage the biosecurity risks associated with the proposed expansion,” Mr Watt said.
“The FPOE process enables us to be assured the necessary arrangements are in place.”
Western Australian Minister for Ports, David Michael, said that while there is still some way to go, this decision signals the green light for the project and that he 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,” Mr Michael said.
“I now look forward to working with my Federal Government colleagues to build on this momentum when I visit Canberra next month as part of the Western Australian Government’s push for a stronger working relationship.”
Western Australian Minister for Tourism, Rita Saffioti, said that expanded border services for 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.”
