Cruise ship investment paying dividends

Written on the 12 October 2016

Broome Shire President Ron Johnston has welcomed news that the number of cruise ship passengers visiting Broome increased by 74 per cent in the past year, saying it showed that a $50,000 investment by the Shire of Broome was money well spent. 

WA Premier Colin Barnett announced at the weekend that Broome was second only to Fremantle for cruise ship passenger visits in 2015/16.

"Latest figures show more than 17,000 cruise passengers visited Broome last financial year, up from about 10,000 the previous financial year," Mr Barnett said.
The Shire of Broome is providing funding of $50,000 across 2016/17 and 2017/18 to the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry to coordinate cruise ship visitation.

Cr Johnston said he commended the Chamber and the many helpers and volunteers on their work in welcoming and hosting cruise ship passengers in Broome.

"This is an excellent example of the Shire collaborating with other organisations and the community, and shows what can be achieved for our town when we work together," Cr Johnston said.

"These cruise ship visits provide a real economic boost for Broome as well as building our reputation as a must-see tourism destination.

"In addition to these large cruise ships, we are also experiencing an increase in smaller Kimberley coast expedition ships basing themselves in Broome."

Cr Johnston also thanked the WA Government for its multi-million-dollar investment in upgrading the Broome wharf. 

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the State had invested $24 million for improvements to the Broome wharf, with a $3 million contribution from the Royalties for Regions program.

"The works have restored the structural integrity of the Broome wharf, allowing the needs of the Kimberley community to be served until 2026," Mr Redman said.