Shire of Broome president: 2022 will be a bumper year for big-ticket community projects

Full steam ahead for 2022 — what an exciting year we have ahead of us.

With the Christmas festivities and New Year celebrations done and dusted for another year, it is time to sink our teeth into the projects that are going to make 2022 a prosperous year for Broome as we strive to build A Future, for Everyone.

So, what is on the agenda for 2022 … well, where do I start?

The Broome Boating Facility project remains a priority for the Shire, with the Environmental Protection Authority investigating the environmental factors of the project.

In the interim, we have remaining State Government funds to use on investigations around potential green space implementation and public art interpretation.

We are also continuing to advocate for additional funding to make the project a reality.

The Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment is now in its next project phase, with consultants Josh Byrne & Associates currently undertaking the detailed design phase.

Our Community and Stakeholder Reference Group met twice in December and another opportunity for public input will be available in the first half of 2022. I look forward to hearing the community’s feedback on this exciting project.

The Regional Resource Recovery Park project is also now in the detailed design phase after Talis were appointed the preferred consultants in October 2021.

Talis have a great deal of knowledge in the field of waste and asset management and have hit the ground running.

The Broome Surf Life Saving Club redevelopment tender was awarded to Broome construction company Colin Wilkinson Developments Pty Ltd at last month’s council meeting, just in time for implementation at the start of 2022.

Supporting local is paramount in our service delivery and we take great pride in supporting Broome businesses where possible.

The Shire has also supported the club with $371,454 worth of funding and in-kind contributions and helped it secure a self-supporting loan to ensure this project proceeds. With such an iconic location overlooking Cable Beach, it is a unique project.

The 80th anniversary of the Broome air raid is this year on March 3, 2022.

The history of this event will be commemorated as the next generation learns what occurred all those years ago and how it has shaped Broome.

More information will come out closer to the date, but it will be a milestone event for all the community to participate in.

Earlier this month Police Minister Paul Papalia announced 12 extra police officers for the Kimberley.

It is great to see the Shire’s lobbying for more police resourcing in our region coming to fruition — this is a step in the right direction and we hope to see positive outcomes around this issue, not only in the present but also into the future.

This is just the beginning of what’s in store for Broome in 2022 and I personally cannot wait to see what else this year has to bring for our town and community.

Harold Tracey is the Shire of Broome president