Cable Beach foreshore redevelopment allocated more than $12m funding in 2023-24 Shire budget

The Cable Beach foreshore redevelopment and several other major works around Broome will receive a funding boost to the tune of $14.4m after the Shire of Broome adopted its 2023-24 budget at a special council meeting this month. About $12.26m was set aside for stage one of the redevelopment of Broome’s most famous beach and tourist destination, with all of the funding coming from grants, reserves and borrowing. Other major works around the Kimberley’s largest town were also allocated a substantial amount of funds, including the Town Beach cafe redevelopment ($590,000), the Catalina Boat Ramp ($183,000) for a retaining wall and $468,000 for design works on the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre’s dry side redevelopment. Initiatives aimed at tackling the major housing crisis in town weren’t left behind either, with the Sanctuary Road Caravan Park, Key Worker and Over 55s Village receiving $400,000 for design works and the McMahon Estate project $200,000 to develop structure planning. Shire of Broome president Desiree Male said the council had adopted a balanced budget that would deliver critical capital projects while absorbing higher operating costs caused by increases in the CPI and interest rates. “Through the adopted 2023-24 budget, the Shire’s investment in Broome and the broader community reflects our commitment to provide, facilitate and advocate for services and infrastructure to improve quality of life for everyone,” she said. “The 5 per cent increase in this year’s rates is below the national inflation rate. They are also in line with most other local governments around WA, even though our remote location attracts additional CPI pressures to the Shire’s operating budget. “I applaud the Shire staff that have exercised effective financial management and cost-cutting measures to ensure we can continue to deliver services without the community having to cover an additional outlay. “I believe this budget will contribute to Broome’s continued positive evolution and exciting future for everyone.”