Projects to boost region

Broome and Derby are to be buoyed by projects that could create hundreds of jobs and inject millions of dollars into the Kimberley economy.

More than 100 people at a business breakfast hosted by the Shire of Broome last Tuesday heard about the Thunderbird resources project and Department of Housing's plans.

Sheffield Resources managing director Bruce McQuitty spoke of the Thunderbird mineral sands operation between Broome and Derby and its potential to create drive-in, drive-out jobs.

"We are modelling the project on a permanent workforce of 150 people," he said.

"We are looking to recruit locally where those skills are available."

The company plans to use Derby as the main export point, but Mr McQuitty said the port of Broome, 140km by road from Thunderbird, could also be used.

"The wharf in Broome is not logistically ideal for the shipment of bulk product ilmenite, but it could be suitable for shipment of bagged product such as zircon and leucoxene for shipment, most likely to Asia," he said.

Thunderbird has an expected minimum 32-year mine life, which could extend beyond 50 years.

A definitive feasibility is expected by the end of next year.

Sheffield will need to raise $394 million to construct the project, with a production target date set early 2019.

Shire of Broome president Graeme Campbell said Broome should benefit in the long term from Thunderbird.

Kirsty Moore from the Department of Housing said she was hopeful about 10 per cent of 1000 properties earmarked for social housing in the Kimberley would be built by local contractors in towns, including Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing.

Shire of Broome chief executive Kenn Donohoe said challenges and opportunities ahead included ensuring Broome served as a logistics hub for the offshore Browse basin, the emerging aquaculture industry and sealing Cape Leveque Road.