Broome Youth Precinct officially opens

Published on 07 October 2026

The Shire of Broome officially opened the Broome Youth Precinct at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre (BRAC) Track & Trails event over the weekend, bringing to life a community vision shaped through nearly a decade of consultation and collaboration.

Shire of Broome President Chris Mitchell said the opening marked a significant milestone for the community.

“This is an exciting day for Broome and a proud moment for everyone who helped shape the Youth Precinct,” Cr Mitchell said.

“It’s rewarding to see years of community ideas and input come to life in a space that will bring people together for years to come.”

The project originated from the Shire’s 2016 Recreation Trails Masterplan, which identified the BRAC1 site as an opportunity for cycling and recreation activities. This led to the development of the BRAC1 Youth Precinct Master Plan, which was endorsed by Council in 2017 following consultation with a range of stakeholder groups.

Community feedback and consultation highlighted the importance of creating a safe, welcoming space that encourages participation and healthy lifestyles, helping shape the vision for the precinct.

The pump track was supported through funding from the Western Australian Government’s Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, with the Australian Government’s Move It AUS Community Sport Infrastructure Grant program supporting completion of the track and trails component of the precinct.

The Shire also partnered with Job Pathways, Carey Training and Vocational Training Services during construction, providing Civil Construction trainees with valuable hands-on experience before the final stages of work were completed by the Shire’s own team.

The delivery of the precinct was not without its challenges. While remediation works proved more extensive than anticipated, the project also uncovered relic World War II aircraft engines and other artefacts that have since been donated to the Broome Historical Society.

The precinct now features a purpose-built mountain bike trail, pump track and landscaped community spaces. Future stages are proposed to include picnic and barbecue areas, shaded gathering spaces, children’s safety bike tracks, a street sport courts and a larger BMX-style track.

As part of the opening celebrations, community members planted trees throughout the precinct and had the opportunity to register their names for a future commemorative panel.

“Projects like this demonstrate what can be achieved when a community works together towards a shared vision,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Those trees will grow alongside the precinct, and I hope the young people who planted them will look back with pride knowing they helped create something lasting for future generations to enjoy.”

The Shire of Broome acknowledges and thanks the many community members, stakeholders, funding partners, consultants and contractors who contributed to the planning and delivery of the Broome Youth Precinct and looks forward to seeing the precinct continue to grow with the community.