Funds secured to continue Town Beach transformation

Lotterywest will contribute a further $1.7 million to kick off Stage Two of the transformation underway at Broome’s popular Town Beach.

Work on the $11.3 million Stage One of the project is continuing with the creation of new parkland, playgrounds, youth space, markets area, community art and historical information now underway, with local firm Roadline Civil Contractors carrying out work with funding from the Shire of Broome and Lotterywest.

Access to the first two sub-projects is open to the public including a section of the rock seawall and grassed terraces overlooking Roebuck Bay, the extension of Hamersley St, and new car and boat trailer parking for the Catalinas boat ramp, while the final sub-project in Stage One to expand and upgrade the popular water park is out to tender with completion expected by the end of 2019.

The newly announced Lotterywest funding will enable Stage Two sub-projects including restoration and upgrades to the existing Pioneer Cemetery, Lions Pioneer Park and the foreshore park including improved lighting, a youth community art project and exercise equipment, and shade and historical information for the planned all-access jetty.

Other sub-projects in Stage Two include upgrading the existing rock groyne, and the centrepiece of the project to construct a 120m-long, 4m-wide all-access jetty extending from the end of the groyne, with the Shire of Broome still seeking the balance of funding.

Broome Shire President, Harold Tracey, said the Town Beach Project was creating a vibrant and inclusive community space and was made possible by the support of Lotterywest and the State Government. 

“Broome is experiencing a period of significant investment that has included the completion of the Chinatown Revitalisation Project and now the Town Beach Project injecting many millions of dollars into our local economy,” Cr Tracey said. 

“It’s really exciting to see the Town Beach Project taking shape as a space that will bring together people of all ages, cultures and abilities, preserve Broome’s history, Indigenous culture and unique environment, all while boosting tourism and the local economy.” 

Premier Mark McGowan said the State Government was pleased to be able to contribute to such an important Kimberley project through Lotterywest.

“The $1.7 million Lotterywest grant will go towards community infrastructure, amenity upgrades, parkland additions and interpretative works for the redevelopment of the Town Beach Foreshore,” he said.

“Once complete, it will be a space that can be enjoyed by local residents and tourists alike.”

The sub-projects in the Town Beach Project are drawn from the Old Broome Development Strategy that was developed after extensive consultation with the community and cooperation from key stakeholders including Kimberley Ports, Yawuru, the Broome Historical Society Museum, Water Corporation and others.