Broome Boating Facility progress continues

Planning for a new Broome Boating Facility is progressing with heritage surveys, development of engineering designs and concepts, and environmental studies now underway.

The process is being guided by the Broome Boat Harbour Advisory Group that includes the Shire of Broome, WA Department of Transport, Kimberley Port Authority, Nyamba Buru Yawuru, Broome Fishing Club, Kimberley Marine Tourism Association and Kimberley Development Commission.

The Broome Boating Facility project was allocated $1 million by the State Government to develop a business case and undertake a range of required technical studies.

Previous studies included research into dinosaur footprint trackways which identified the preferred location at a site between Broome Port and Entrance Point, and ruled out the previous location between Entrance Point and Reddell Point. 

This preferred location is also being investigated as the location for a Kimberley Marine Support Base and the two projects are now being progressed simultaneously.

Work now underway includes undertaking heritage surveys and ongoing engagement with the Yawuru Heritage Advisory Group.

Engineering design work and a coastal processes study has included reviewing existing data, analysis and reports; coastal processes modelling (hydrodynamic, waves and sediment) to establish conditions at the site; and designing concepts for marine and land-based infrastructure.

Environmental work has included reviewing existing data, studies and reports; preparing a preliminary environmental impact assessment; and engaging with the Environmental Protection Authority WA.

Design work and engagement on developing road access to the planned facility is also ongoing.

Broome Shire President and Advisory Group Chair, Harold Tracey, said it was a painstaking process but the community could be assured that considerable work was being done to make safer recreational boating facilities a reality in Broome.  

“Importantly, the Broome Boat Harbour Advisory Group wants our community’s input and in coming months we’ll be providing more information and seeking feedback,” Cr Tracey said.