More upgrades to get underway on Broome Cape Leveque Road in WA

Additional funding has been allocated by the Australian and Western Australian Governments to continue upgrade works to access roads in the Dampier Peninsula through the Broome Cape Leveque Project. 

The additional $15 million will get works moving on reconstructing the first 13.6 kilometres of the old narrow seal on the Broome Cape Leveque Road as well as upgrading the Broome Highway intersection. 

“The Australian Government will always back our regions which is why we have worked to fund another two projects along the Dampier Peninsula, creating even more employment and training opportunities. 

“The Federal Government is committed to ensuring the West receives its fair share of our record $110 billion nationwide infrastructure. investment, which is laying the foundations for economic recovery following the pandemic,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

In addition to the upgrades, the project will also deliver opportunities for local contractors as well as Aboriginal employment. 

“The work undertaken on Broome Cape Leveque Road provided many fantastic employment and training opportunities for local people. 

“I’m pleased we have been able to provide funding to provide continuity of work for these workers,” Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said. 

Further upgrades on the Broome Cape Leveque Road would mean even more tourism opportunities for the Dampier Peninsula. 

“Broome is a tourism drawcard and more and more tourists are being drawn to the Dampier Peninsula. 

“These upgrades will make it safer for tourists and create more opportunities for our local communities,” Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said. 

Project map (source: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications)

State Member for the Kimberley region Josie Farrer said that the State Government is committed to delivering opportunities for Aboriginal people in the area. 

“The opportunities that have been available for the local community to be part of Main Roads work in the Kimberley are impressive and will continue on other projects in the future. 

“I’m please we have been able to contribute additional funds for more of these important projects,” Ms Farrer said. 

Funding has also been committed to the $5 million Kooljaman Resort Access Road project, which includes sealing the road at Cape Leveque and Ardyaloon Hatchery Access Road at Ardyaloon. Works on this project is due to commence in mid-2021. 

This access road provides a link to one of the region’s most iconic locations, on Bardi Jawi country. 

The upgrades will make the roads suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles which, in turn, improves visitor experience to the Dampier Peninsula. 

The $20 million Broome Cape Leveque Road Upgrade and Community Access Road project are jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australia Governments, each contributing $16 million and $4 million respectively. 

The upgrades are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2021. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Australian Government – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications