Wyndham Port is the only deep-sea port between Broome and Darwin. Photo: Kimberley Ports Authority
Three new international ports of entry have been declared in Western Australia’s north which should reduce freight time, says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
And the PM also announced $200m in funding for housing and infrastructure projects in the state’s regions.
PM Albanese says applications for greater border services at Wyndham, Ashburton and Dampier ports have been approved.
Government says the decision will allow more direct international shipping between northern WA businesses and industries and their regional trading partners.
Traffic at Wyndham Port alone was expected to double by 2033, Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said.
“… 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,” Albanese says.
WA Premier Roger Cook welcomed the news.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
King said the greater border services at these ports would make “a significant difference” and save 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,” she said.
“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.”
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS
The $200m funding for housing and deliver community infrastructure will include 1367 new homes across the state with almost $90m for critical infrastructure work.
This work includes $32.8m for 400 new homes across 10 shires in the Wheatbelt region, $22.1m for 591 new homes in Karratha and $14.2m for 86 new homes in a new development in Lockyer.
As for community projects such as cultural and sports hubs, town precincts and parks,
$22.8m from the regional Precincts and Partnerships program and more than $89m from the Growing Regions program, will fund new projects.
Projects include $15m for the Newman Youth and Community Hub, $13.2m for the Wyndham Community Boat Launch Facility, $7.8m for three Martu Arts Centres, $15.5m to revitalise the Carnarvon CBD and $19.6m for the Wyndham Multi-Purpose Community Hub in East Kimberley.
