A re-elected WA Cook Labor Government said it will fund a $500,000 business study for a Passenger Cruise Terminal at Broome Port in a bid to boost the tourism economy by $357 million and add 1,225 jobs.
Future planning for a new purpose-built passenger terminal to facilitate cruise vessels visiting the Broome Port is expected to significantly boost tourism and economic potential.
“Broome is on track to become a key Australian cruise gateway, and the creation of a purpose-built passenger terminal at its port will help unlock enormous tourism opportunities for Western Australia,” Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) managing director in Australasia Joel Katz.
“CLIA and our cruise lines have been championing Broome as an international gateway for some time, working closely with State and Commonwealth governments to unlock the destination’s full potential. The Western Australian Government’s commitment to a business case for a new Broome terminal is an important step towards making the port a world-class cruise destination.
“Dedicated terminal facilities will not only help welcome more cruise lines and their guests, but will also allow Commonwealth agencies to process international visitors on their first arrival into Australia. This means Broome can become a first port of call for international ships, opening up a world of new possibilities for international cruising in Western Australia.”
The value of cruise tourism to Western Australia grew by more than 15 per cent in 2023-24 to reach a record $384.9 million.
“With close collaboration between governments, ports and destinations, tourism operators and the cruise industry, Western Australia has the ability to create an even stronger cruise economy in one of the country’s most spectacular cruise regions,” Katz added.
New floating wharf already on its way
A floating wharf is already on its way to Broome from China. The $200 million facility, funded and constructed by Kimberley Marine Support Base (KMSB) Pty Ltd is scheduled to be in operation in the second half of 2025.
The floating wharf, designed to handle Broome’s significant tidal flows will complement the Port of Broome’s existing facilities and will incorporate a 300m-long causeway connecting to 165m x 50m floating wharf platform which can accommodate cruise ships.
The wharf is expected to service a variety of other industries including agriculture, cattle transport, general cargo platform support vessels, RoRo vehicles and machinery, green energy and international import and export.
Construction was carried out by contractor TAMS with design and testing carried out in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Broome Port was granted First Point of Entry in February 2024 which enables additional cruise ships to visit the region. Western Australia is anticipated to attract between 75 and 149 additional cruise ship visits to the Port over the course of one season.
This equates to around 22 to 44 additional cruise itineraries, which is expected to boost the economy by up to $357 million and support 1,225 jobs.
A new port terminal would create further tourism opportunities and economic value for WA as it would eventually mean visiting international cruise ships arriving first at Broome would be able to continue down the coast with calls at Geraldton and Fremantle.
“This commitment is about shoring up economic and tourism opportunities for Broome, the Kimberley and future prospects for our entire State,” WA Ports Minister David Michael said.
“Our commitment to fund a business case is about future-proofing Broome Port and its capacity to support increased activity to the region which will provide a significant boost to the local economy and local jobs.”
“Only a re-elected Cook Labor Government will deliver for the Kimberley region and do what’s right for the local communities and towns.”
Separately to the future planning for a new passenger terminal, the State Government has already committed $6 million towards infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Broome following the First Point of Entry being granted.
Featured Image: Port of Broome, Instagram
