Kimberley Marine Support Base

The Kimberley Marine Support Base (KMSB) is set to enhance the region’s ability to grow trade by building a superior, modern marine facility that is designed specifically for Broome’s unique and extreme tidal fluctuations. KMSB’s $200m investment into the region will deliver new port infrastructure within the Port of Broome, incorporating a floating wharf linked to a fixed causeway, allowing safe and efficient 24/7 operations regardless of tide depth.

The existing infrastructure within the Port of Broome consists of a fixed-height jetty that is at the mercy of some of Australia’s biggest tides that can see the water level rise and fall by 10 metres in just six hours. This infrastructure will remain operational and open to servicing the needs of key markets, with the new KMSB Facility offering expanded capacity for the Port of Broome and greater operational efficiencies for industries that require it most.

The commencement of construction for the KMSB Facility was announced by the Hon. David Michael MLA (Minister for Ports) on 7 September 2023.

The design and site selection for the new KMSB facility is cognisant of the interests and concerns of various Broome stakeholders. These elements have been iteratively refined in collaboration with key stakeholder groups to minimise environmental, cultural, and heritage impacts. As a direct result of this consultation, KMSB has been able to optimise the design in a way that eliminates the need for dredging and minimises the total seabed disturbance area to under 400m².

The key design elements include:

• 300m long bi-directional causeway
• 85m linkspan bridge
• Two restraint structures
• 50m x 165m floating wharf platform
• 700 tonne crane capacity.

KMSB’s new development is estimated to support more than 200 jobs during the construction phase, with significant opportunities for local contracting, while ongoing operations could support more than 500 permanent jobs in Broome and more than 1,500 jobs state-wide.

For more information please access KMSB’s website. The website contains a FAQ section that will continue to be updated throughout the construction phase.

KMSB remains determined to build the jetty and is committed to get the project underway as soon as possible. Construction is currently planned for 2022 and 2023 to allow for commencement of operations in 2024.