A proposed floating wharf at the Port of Broome in Western Australia has been approved for development by the State Government, which will position Broome as the future hub for the growing oil and gas industry.
Kimberley Marine Support Base (KMSB) Pty Ltd will be delivering the $110 million project that will involve the construction of a floating wharf as well as associated on-shore terminal facilities.
“This is an enormous boost for the Kimberley economy and a huge opportunity for regional jobs: it enables Broome to benefit from the growing oil and gas industry in an environmentally sensitive way.
“This paves the way for Broome to become the service and logistics hub for the growing oil and gas sector off the North West coast and for export opportunities for the emerging agricultural and resources sector projects in the hinterland - providing long-term jobs for the region,” Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan said.
Construction and operation of this new facility will help boost economic and employment opportunities in the Kimberley region and, at the same time, will increase the capacity of the Port of Broome.
The new floating wharf is expected to support more than 250 jobs during its construction as well as up to 500 permanent jobs in Broome and 1,500 jobs statewide.
“Local procurement and employment opportunities for local business and the community will be a priority for the project, ensuring local jobs from construction to completion,” Minister MacTiernan said.
KMSB and the Kimberley Ports Authority will lodge a long-term commercial lease for the facility, and Kimberley Ports will be providing stevedoring services during the project’s construction phase and during its first five years in operations.
“To hear that the Kimberley Port Authority will provide stevedoring services not only during construction but for the first five years is just a reward for what has always been a highly successful and constructive port,” Mining and Pastoral MLC Kyle McGinn said.
Prior to construction, KMSB will have to complete environmental approvals, project and financial agreements, and present a final design and commissioning plan.
The new floating wharf will complement the Western Australian Government’s port upgrades to the Port of Broome.
The new facility is anticipated to be operational by early 2022.
“I see this investment in this new modern facility in Broome as a critical piece of infrastructure to position Broome for an even better future.
“This is something the community should celebrate as it will be a real boost to the local economy,” Mr McGinn said.
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Source: Government of Western Australia; Inside Construction; The West Australian; Kimberley Ports Authority
