New body to focus on cruise ship visits

A newly formed governing body aimed at stimulating growth of the number of cruise ship visits to Broome will steam ahead with plans after a $27,000 State Government injection.

The Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry was among 21 Kimberley recipients to benefit from the Government’s Community Chest Fund through Royalties for Regions.

Chief executive Jael Napper said the money would further support the Shire of Broome’s commitment of $50,000 over two years to administrate Cruise Broome, auspiced by BCCI, and build collateral specifically focused on attracting growth of the cruise ship industry.

“This money means Cruise Broome will now be able to start acting on plans over a two-year strategy,” she said.

“We’ll be keeping everyone updated on progress as we go along.” Cruise Broome is chaired by Shayne Murray of Broome Transit with a committee comprising the Kimberley Ports Authority, BCCI, the Broome Tourism Leadership Group and private enterprise.

Cruise Broome has appointed Melva Stone as co-ordinator, who will be travelling with Mr Murray, and KPA chief executive Kevin Shellack to the WA Cruise Exchange in two weeks to pitch Broome as an ideal destina-tion for future cruise line potential.