Three in four Broome residents want a safe boat harbour at Entrance Point, local advisory group study finds

Long-awaited plans to build a safe boat launching facility in Broome reached a major milestone last week, after an overwhelming majority of residents spoke in favour of its proposed design. The Broome Boat Harbour Advisory Group released a concept impression of what the Entrance Point development would look like last month, following decades of demand from community members. A total of 74.2 per cent of 1221 respondents were supportive of the plans, which included four ramp lanes and two smaller jetties to the right of the Port of Broome and a planned new floating jetty. Over the four week consultation period, 67.4 percent said they were highly supportive, 6.8 percent replied supportive, 2.29 percent were neutral, with the remaining 23.51 percent against. Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said the results proved the community felt a new boating facility would be a welcome addition to develop the tourist mecca, which has long been an attraction for anglers. “The existing boating infrastructure in Broome is not sufficient to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the thousands of people that take to our waters every year,” he said. “As such, a new boating facility will be a once-in-a-generation project that will be a major asset to the town. “I have been hugely passionate about delivering this project for the community over recent years and the survey results are now a mandate to make the boating facility a reality.” The survey findings are due to be presented to the BBHAG, which comprises traditional owners Yawuru Group, Kimberley Port Authority, Department of Transport, Kimberley Development Commission and Broome Fishing Club and is chaired by the shire. It would then be presented to shire councillors at an ordinary meeting in May and a business case would be presented to the State Government if adopted. The McGowan Government allocated $1 million to develop the case and feasibility study in 2017.