KIMBERLEY Ports Authority has reported a profit of $203,000 for the 2023 financial year, a 92% decrease from $2.6 million in 2022.
The port authority had predicted a loss of $2.7 million for the year; it said the 2023 profit was achieved with state government support of $2.5 million for taking on responsibilities of additional Kimberley ports.
Revenue for the 2023 financial year was down 5% to $20.5 million.
Trade volumes across the ports of Broome, Derby, Yampi Sound and Wyndham increased in FY 2023.
The ports handled 3.2 million tonnes of trade in 2022-23, a 26% increase from the 2.3 million tonnes in the previous financial year.
They together saw 1562 vessel visits in 2022-23, which was a “slight decrease” on the number of visits in the previous year.
KPA said shipping activity was down against budget due to a decrease in the number of vessels calling at the Port of Broome in the second part of the year.
The port of Yampi Sound was the only port to post an increase in vessel visits – it had 37 visits in total, which was an increase of 51%.
Visits to the port of Derby dropped 8.5% to 366 visits, Wyndham saw a 21% decrease to 117 visits and Broome posted a 5% decrease to 1042 visits.
KPA CEO Luke Westlake and chair Reece Waldock highlighted the impact of the Western Australian floods in January this year.
“The flood event in early 2023 affected the entire Kimberley logistics supply chain and Port of Broome was used for barge loading operations to supply the towns of Derby and Fitzroy Crossing with emergency supplies,” they said.
“Mt Gibson Iron enhanced the barge landing at Broome so these essential services could continue to operate and supply their Koolan Island operations.
“Halls Creek, Kununurra and Wyndham were also isolated, due to flooding, and Cambridge Gulf Ltd constructed a barge ramp adjacent to the Wyndham Port to receive vital supplies.”
KPA said it has been working with regulatory bodies to gain approvals that would increase trade opportunities at the ports.
