Residents petition Cable Beach vehicle ramp closure during stage two of redevelopment

Broome residents are petitioning the closure of the Cable Beach vehicle ramp and access to north of the rocks as stage two of the Cable Beach Redevelopment starts construction.

Access to the north side of Cable Beach closed on June 3, restricting access for vehicles and sparking outrage from Broome beachgoers on social media.

Access is set to be restricted for the duration of stage two of the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed by mid to late 2026.

Broome resident Jen Kranendonk launched the petition on Facebook on June 5, and by the next day had garnered 774 signatures.

“Cable Beach sunset drinks and nibblies, carefree hours in the early morning walking the dogs, lazy days in the sun with your own little patch of paradise — gone,” she said.

“This is not a short-term thing — potentially 18 months closure whilst the Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment plan starts phase two.

“That is assuming the works are completed by the mid to end of 2026 as forecast. Any local would know how well stage one went, how long it went for and the impact it had on business in the area.”

To offset the restriction, the Shire of Broome has extended vehicle access by an extra 500m at Gantheaume Beach.

“We understand the deep connection our community and visitors have with driving on Cable Beach,” shire president Chris Mitchell said while announcing the restricted access in late March.

“While vehicle access will need to adapt during construction, we are doubling coastal access options at Gantheaume Point to ensure everyone can continue enjoying Broome’s magnificent coastline.”

But residents say the extra space won’t meet the demand, especially in peak tourist season.

“The provision of an additional 500m of vehicle access at Gantheaume Point does not adequately replace the 5km plus that is no longer available to access north of the rocks,” petition organisers said on change.org.

The petition aims to influence the council into implementing a temporary access road to north of the rocks for the remainder of the redevelopment works.

“This temporary provision will ensure our continued connection to the beach, allowing the community and tourists alike to enjoy the unique natural beauty of Cable Beach without interruption,” petition organisers said.

“A temporary road would provide a balanced solution that respects both the progress of development and the community’s need for beach access.

“The uninterrupted beauty and accessibility of our beach are essential not only for our personal well-being but also for the prosperity of local businesses reliant on tourism.

“The shire’s decision to support a temporary access road will reflect its commitment to the community’s needs and the preservation of our lifestyle during these necessary changes.”

However according to the shire, Gantheaume Beach already accounts for around 60 per cent of all vehicle movements on Cable Beach and the extension will cater to the public sufficiently.

Essential service vehicles, licensed businesses and emergency vehicles are still able to access Cable Beach via the new vehicle ramp closer to the Broome Surf Club.

The shire is also enhancing Ranger presence at Gantheaume Beach during peak usage periods to ensure compliance and safety.