Multi million-dollar key infrastructure projects transforming tourist mecca of Broome pushing through pandemic

Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of key infrastructure projects that would transform the appearance of the tourist mecca of Broome and help cement its status as a world-class destination are pushing ahead despite the pandemic. Private and government investments are together modernising and changing the aesthetic of the Kimberley town to complement its untouched natural landscapes, all while driving thousands of local jobs and potentially stimulating a period of long-awaited economic growth. And while COVID-19 restrictions have seemingly slowed life down, they have done little to stop major works in the pipeline and have even pulled some projects forward. Broome International Airport has used an unprecedented quiet period — which has only seen five return flights land in town each week — to soar ahead with large parts of its $14 million upgrades — the largest in the hub’s histo-ry. An extension of the terminal’s departure area and air-conditioning installation at the arrivals hall are now completed, with the check-in extension only awaiting changes to back-of-house conveyors also to be marked as finished. The security screening area at the airport will also be expanded to accommodate full-body scanning in coming months, while the doubling of the arrivals hall size is under review. BIA chief executive Paul McSweeney said all projects that had been completed as part of the upgrade — which was announced last year and mostly engaged local contractors — were on time and on budget. “We have tried to use the quiet time to progress these project works to ensure the airport is ready for business when the Kimberley reopens, which we hope will be when the rest of WA opens, ideally in the not too distant future,” he said. “The completion of these projects is exciting and positive news in these difficult times and will further increase the passenger experience at the airport.” A “game-changing” $110m floating jetty alongside the existing Port of Broome that would become the State’s major oil and gas service hub is still on track to be operational by early 2022. The Kimberley Marine Support Base facility, recognised as the biggest capital works project in Broome this century, would see a 180m by 180m floating wharf constructed and connected to shore by a 15m wide causeway and expand the capacity of the State Government-owned Kimberley Ports Authority. It would allow all-tide access for cruise ships and service myriad other industries, including agriculture, horticulture and tourism. A spokesman for KMSB said the private company had begun its Environmental Protection Authority approval process, which was expected to be completed in months. He said decisions had to be made around the project’s timeline because of the COVID-19 sting to contractors, but the virus had not affected its scheduled 2022 open date. The KMSB is expected to create about 500 permanent jobs and more than 200 during construction. And near the pending project at Entrance Point could be a long-awaited safe boat launching facility, with plans for two smaller jetties and four ramp lanes overwhelmingly supported by residents recently. Shire of Broome councillors will next week consider whether to present a business case for the boat harbour to the State Government for funding. KPA chief executive Craig Faulkner said the floating wharf and launching facility near the Port of Broome would both play a role in stimulating the local economy. “KMSB will see economic injection during construction, as well as providing significant extra capacity in the port to cater for extra exploration in the offshore oil and gas sector,” he said. “Construction of the proposed boating facility will have direct effects on Broome and then serve as a safe and efficient recreational facility going forward.” At the forefront of large-scale changes in Broome’s recent years have been its Chinatown and Town Beach precincts, which are both on the verge of a further revamp. A $14.2m redevelopment of the Chinatown business, retail and culinary hub was completed last year, which included shading structures, additional greenery, and road and footpath improvements on Carnarvon Street and Dampier Terrace, as well as a tourist lookout over Roebuck Bay. Stage two of the Chinatown Revitalisation was announced by Premier Mark McGowan just months later, which would extend upgrades to Short Street and Napier Terrace, see the installation of a dedicated transit area for tour vehicles, and include new amenities around Streeter’s Jetty. The State Government has contributed $12m to the project, with the remaining $3.6m from the Shire of Broome. Shire president Harold Tracey said construction was due to begin over the 2020/21 wet season following a final detailed design and extensive community consultation.“Chinatown has a vivid history and is the heart of Broome,” he said. “The Shire is committed to having a thriving town centre and the revitalisation project is being completed with the aim of providing economic and social stimulus.” The popular Town Beach was recently bolstered by a rock revetment seawall, large all-ages playground, sport courts, coastal footpath, grassed terraced seating and public artwork as part of its $24m makeover, and works on an upgraded water park are close to completion. The Shire is also seeking funding to develop the Lions Park and Pioneer Cemetery aspect of the precinct, as well as a 112m-long jetty, five-star Roebuck Bay caravan park and modernised cafe. Mr Tracey said the project — funded by the Shire, State Government, Lotterywest and Main Roads WA — had always been a top priority for the council. “Town Beach is an area rich in history and culture, but a large section of the site was unutilised,” he said. A master plan for the popular Cable Beach is also in Broome’s pipeline, including a new entry plaza, beach park, commercial opportunities, improved ocean views and better pedestrian and vehicle access. Mr Tracey said a business case for the massive job was close to completion. The virus has not affected the $20m transformation of Broome Senior High School, highlighted by a new double-storey building for classrooms and large event spaces on Frederick Street, with high-tech artwork that lights up in response to sound wrapped around it. The main structure is due to be completed by the end of this year. A new commercial kitchen and two science laboratories have now been opened to students, with remaining works including an outdoor cultural space and landscaping. BSHS principal Mathew Burt said it had been an exciting time for the school. “Students have been enjoying engaging lessons in the two new chemistry classrooms this year,” he said. “Our commercial kitchen will be one of the big highlights of this building project, providing staff and students with a full suite of commercial equipment to prepare students for career pathways in hospitality and tourism.” The popular Roebuck Bay Hotel recently completed an interior makeover of its eateries and guest rooms, while the Continental, formerly known as The Mercure, was recently given the nod to redevelop its accommodation and build a new food and beverage venue facing Roebuck Bay. The corporate body representing Broome’s traditional landowners, Nyamba Buru Yawuru, last year finished the expansion of its headquarters in Cable Beach, which included a new Liyan-ngan Nyirrwa Cultural Wellbeing Centre and a public cafe and outdoor area. The architectural masterpiece was designed by Indent, a joint venture construction company between NBY and H&M Tracey, and was named best public use building at last year’s Master Builder Association WA Kimberley and Pilbara Awards. Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the State Government had recognised Broome’s full potential could be unlocked with the right investment. “Broome holds a unique place in Australia’s culture and history — a tourism mecca, founded on a blend of cultures, in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes,” she said. “We know this year has been incredibly tough for Broome: the COVID-19 pandemic and necessary restrictions have hit small business in Broome possibly harder than anywhere else in the State. “But we know the features that make Broome the pearl of the north, and the brilliant strength and resilience of the Broome community, will see the town bounce back stronger than ever.” Mr Tracey said the future of the town looked incredibly bright. “The infrastructure projects underway and in the pipeline have been developed to make Broome an even-more inspiring place to live and visit,” he said. “Given growth projections for Broome, adding first-class infrastructure can be the driver to an enriched local economy and be the stimulus for further future investment in our town.” Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Elaine Jolliffe said it was exciting to see a significant number of large-scale projects continue to progress. “This cements Broome’s reputation as a must-visit destination, which has a positive impact on businesses and residents,” she said.