Beagle Bay community to introduce entry fee to boost local economy and employment

An entry fee will be introduced for visitors to Beagle Bay beginning April 15 in an effort to bring much needed income into the struggling community after it failed to cover costs to upkeep public toilets. Beagle Bay Futures Indigenous Corporation announced on April 11 they will introduce the $15 fee after recording an income of just $20,000 last year — a one-off payment from the Kimberley Development Commission to maintain a public toilet built for tourists. According to the Corporation, without the entry fee the community has no ability to generate income and no way to meet its obligations to cover upkeep costs of public toilets built by KDC. BBFIC chair Henry Augustine said the revenue generated from the fee will be used to create jobs, opportunities and stimulate economic growth. “We’re trying to generate enough income to support regular payments for an admin person and a cleaner to help maintain the toilet block,” he said. “We’re not a big organisation with lots of money. We’re just made up of volunteers.” Mr Augustine said the policy aims to not only secure a sustainable financial future for Beagle Bay but also to improve the standard of living for its residents. “Housing maintenance and water and power and could be upgraded to a better standard than what it is. Essential services and health standards also comes to mind,” he said. Mr Augustine said around 200 people visit the community every week meaning the fee could generate up to $156,000 for the corporation per year. Despite their economic situation, the Beagle Bay community showed their generous spirit in recent months as a group of asylum seekers came ashore near the community. The 39 men were picked up by local families and provided with food, water, showers and medical attention until State and Federal authorities arrived. One community member told the ABC the asylum seekers would have “died” without their help. The entry fee will apply to all guests, including tourism operators with visitors able to purchase Beagle Bay visitor wristbands from the community office, Beagle Bay Store and the Broome Visitor Centre. Efforts are also underway to establish an online payment option Children under the age of 10 will not be charged.