A Western Australian company has been appointed as the lead contractor to undertake works on Broome’s new major infrastructure development.
Kimberley Marine Support Base (KMSB) has awarded the contract to build a floating wharf facility at Broome Port to marine construction services provider, TAMS Group.
This represents a $200 million private investment in Broome’s port infrastructure by privately-owned KMSB and supported by the Kimberley Ports Authority and WA’s state government.
A low-impact design for the facility will see a berth pocket of around 17 metres-deep at low tide in the naturally occurring deep waters of the area, eliminating the need for dredging.
It will incorporate a 9900 sqm floating wharf, with heavy lift capability, connected to a landside abutment, via a wide dual-directional causeway.
The floating wharf is designed to address the significant operational challenges associated with Broome’s large tidal variations.
It is estimated that around 260 jobs will be created during construction. Member for Kimberley and Minister for Transport, Divina D’Anna said KMSB has engaged with the local Yawuru people to ensure Indigenous employment throughout the construction and operation of the facility.
ABC News reported that works commenced last Friday. Construction is scheduled to be completed early in 2025.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is our weekly news journalist and the editor of Concrete in Australia magazine for 10 years. She has been heavily involved in all forms of engineering since 2013; part of a 30-year writing career across a range of subjects and media.