Collective effort to formulate 3-Year Broome COVID-19 Recovery Plan

Published on 21 July 2020

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Key organisations and leaders in the West Kimberley have collaborated to formulate the 3-Year Broome COVID-19 Recovery Plan in an effort to offset the financial impact of COVID-19 and associated travel restrictions.

The Shire of Broome has partnered with Nyamba Buru Yawuru, the West Kimberley Alliance, Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Cruise Broome to develop the plan.

Input was also sought from other stakeholders including the Kimberley Development Commission, Regional Development Australia Kimberley, and Office of Northern Australia.

The group has pledged to use a united voice to seek Government investment into key projects to stimulate the local economy.

Following Shire of Broome Council endorsement of the plan, Shire of Broome deputy president Desiree Male said investment in the region was needed to offset the social and economic consequences of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Broome has been hit hard by the delay of our usually busy dry season and as such planning for economic recovery is essential,” she said.

“I am delighted that Broome’s leaders have collaborated to formulate this combined plan to bring forward planned investment and advocate for the region collectively.”

Nyamba Buru Yawuru chief executive officer Susan Bergersen said she was encouraged by the collaboration.

"The collaborative regional leadership in response to this unprecedented situation is very heartening and we look forward to working with partners on projects with mutual benefits that support the whole community,” she said.

"The Shire of Broome's COVID-19 Plan contains an array of proposed actions to ensure the community is sustained through this difficult period, and that we can look to the future with positive economic development."

West Kimberley Alliance chair Denis Ryan said the plan was a positive future indicator for the region.

“Sustained economic activity is the key to our community emerging from the impact of the pandemic; this coordinated and collaborative plan is an important component of that recovery,” he said.

“The West Kimberley Alliance looks forward to working with our partners and State and Federal Governments in implementing the plan.”

Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Peter Taylor said the initiative demonstrated the region’s commitment and ability to work collaboratively to get things done.

“Without economic stimulus over the next few years, the effects of COVID-19 will continue to impact regional jobs and businesses,” he said.

“It’s vital that we have high levels of investment in local infrastructure projects to stimulate high levels of economic activity, to both save and create jobs, and sustain local businesses during this period.”

Cruise Broome Chair Shayne Murray said he was excited by the projects included in the plan.

“The strength of co-operation by our key stakeholders pulling this Recovery Plan together is a major asset for Broome and the West Kimberley region,” he said.

“With the retraction of the cruise ship industry revenue costing Broome approximately $17.5 million in 2020, it is vital that the Recovery Plan is actioned and funding is obtained for exciting local projects.”

To view the 3-Year Broome COVID-19 Recovery Plan, click here(PDF, 19MB).

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