Liberal-led government pledges sealed road from Broome to Cape Leveque

Written on the 15 August 2016

Speaking at the Liberal Party State Conference yesterday, the Premier said the Liberal-led Government would add to the tourism potential of Broome and the Kimberley, and better support community services, by the staged construction of an all-weather sealed road from Broome through the length of the Dampier Peninsula to Cape Leveque.

The road will open up tourism and business opportunities along the length of the Peninsula and provide much-needed improved safety and access for Aboriginal communities, pastoralists and pearling and aquaculture operations.

There are an estimated 1,425 people living in 71 Aboriginal communities (52 are permanent) on the Dampier Peninsula. This represents the greatest density of Aboriginal communities in WA.

The road from Broome to Cape Leveque is 200 kilometres and 110km is already sealed. The remaining 90km is often impassable in the wet season.  Sealing the remainder of the road will cost about $65 million. The project would be done in stages. 

Mr Barnett said places such as One Arm Point, about 200km north of Broome, had great tourism potential with a spectacular coastline and stunning views across the Buccaneer Archipelago.

"I hope Aboriginal communities in the area will have the opportunity to develop tourism businesses and introduce visitors to Aboriginal culture, traditional fishing techniques and bush foods, as well as provide accommodation and meals," he said.

Media contact:  Keryn McKinnon - 6552 5200 or 0429 361 781