THE Port of Wyndham in Western Australia’s Kimberley has struggled in recent times through workforce shortages, Covid and infrastructure challenges that ports minister David Michael said have affected the town significantly, leading to a decline in business activity.
In a bid to revitalise the port the state government has committed $250,000 to assist in the development of a new concept plan and business case for the historic precinct.
The investment comes at the same time there is strong interest in achieving expanded first port of entry status for Wyndham and the shire is improving recreational amenities long the foreshore.
Mr Michael said the revitalisation plans would help the Wyndham community take better advantage of tourism opportunities, generating jobs and improving the quality of life in the town.
In addition to an overall concept plan, the work will help identify solutions to long-standing wastewater and road logistics issues that have inhibited development at the port precinct.
Gazetted in 1886 Wyndham has operated as a commercial port and the major maritime gateway to the East Kimberley region since then.
The port started out servicing the cattle industry and gold prospectors, but now it services a diversified market including cruise ships, mining, pastoral, and agricultural industries.
Its 23 listed heritage sites, include historic residences, the old Wyndham prison, tin-clad shopfronts, the old Wyndham Courthouse (now used as the Wyndham Historical Society Museum) and the Wyndham Police Station.
The port precinct’s revitalisation will help the town convert those assets into lasting economic benefit for the town, and improve the hospitality and tourism experience for visitors.
The project will look at the feasibility of a revitalised and expanded historical museum with a potential hospitality offering, new visitor and resident amenities including a visitor centre or meeting place for tours, development of Balanggarra Aboriginal heritage and interpretive materials, an expansion of the historical trail signage, and a refurbished historic retail space.
The Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley will work with the Kimberley Development Commission, Balanaggarra Traditional Owners and local businesses and services to agree on a final concept plan for revitalisation.
