Shire rolls casino dice

Calls for a casino in Broome have gained momentum with the fresh involvement of a key industry group charged with exploring the concept.

Shire of Broome chief executive Kenn Donohoe has requested recommendations from the council's Economic Development Advisory Committee on the matter by August.

The body consists of representatives from business, government and non-government organisations.

Mr Donohoe said there had been talk in the community about a casino to invigorate tourism and he believed it was an option worth considering.

Durack MP Melissa Price first raised the idea for a North West casino on radio in March and said Broome was a possible location, with Karratha, Kununurra or Wyndham.

"I acknowledge that there are gambling problems in some communities, but I think that the casino could have very responsible operators who would know how to deal with these issues," she said.

"You'd also probably consider a door charge for locals, which would actually be a deterrent to those who don't have a lot of money."

Three months after she flagged the idea, Broome International Airport chief executive Nick Belyea repeated the call during his presentation to business heavyweights and State Government ministers at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia forum in Broome.

Mr Belyea said the region needed an economic development boost through a strategic project such as a casino or marina.

Speaking to the Broome Advertiser last week, he said a casino would be a possible catalyst for an international air service to the town, particularly for tourists from China and other parts of Asia.

"The other thing is they are a very big employer and we have got to look at employment opportunities for our indigenous people and others who want to make Broome their home," he said.

Shire president Graeme Campbell said a casino was an economic development opportunity that may or may not succeed.

"There is no doubt neither the State Government nor the Shire of Broome would be doing this development," he said.

"It would require private and public partnerships, input from governments and traditional owners, the Nyamba Buru Yawuru."

Racing and Gaming Minister Colin Holt said he would welcome proposals that focus on the economic diversification of regional WA.

"I would be interested in reading any business case in due course and expect the business case to consider not only the economic benefits but also the potential negative impacts on the local community," he said.