• $7 million upgrades to Port of Broome will enable cruise ship industry to grow
• 24-hour cruise ship access to pave the way for more visitors to Broome
• McGowan Labor Government to develop landside destination options to generate more visitor spend

The McGowan Labor Government's $7 million upgrade to Broome Port will enable 24-hour cruise ship access, paving the way for more international visitors and a boost to the local economy.
 
Cruise ships are currently required to visit the port in non-optimal times, due to navigational hazards associated with the port channel.
 
Dredging the access channel, which will commence next year, will provide all hours berthing access for cruise ships and other vessels, increasing the attractiveness of Broome and Western Australia for inclusion in cruise itineraries.
 
Attracting more cruise ships to WA is a key component of the McGowan Labor Government's tourism strategy.
 
As part of plans for Broome, the McGowan Labor Government will work with the cruise ship industry to develop more landside destination options for passengers visiting Broome, to generate additional visitor spend and more jobs for locals.
 
In 2015-16, it was estimated that the cruise ship industry generated close to $7 million for Broome's economy and about 30 direct jobs. Following dredging works, it is expected these numbers would increase significantly.
 
Existing users of the Port of Broome will also benefit from the channel widening and deepening. These include other cruise liners, fully loaded fuel tankers (they currently have to come in partially loaded), mid-sized container vessels and some oil and gas support vessels.
 
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
 
"Broome is an iconic tourism destination and cruise ships should be a key part of any plans to bring visitors to the town. We expect that, once completed, the dredging works will allow the cruise industry to grow, providing a boost to local businesses and creating jobs for locals.
 
"Cruise line companies have identified Broome as one of the world's best destinations and an important destination for passengers looking to explore WA."
 
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:
 
"We will work with cruise ship companies and the Broome community to ensure there are a range of exciting landside destination options for tourists to explore.
 
"Broome should be at the forefront of any plans to expand the cruise ship sector in this State and the McGowan Labor Government is committed to expanding on the unique experience offered in Broome and the Kimberley."