- More than 400 WA jobs to be restored
- $7 million committed to fixing issues at Broome Port
- Works will enable cruise ship access in all tidal conditions
Carnival Australia's cruise ships will return to Western Australia following a commitment by the McGowan Government to fix issues at Broome Port.
Dredging at Broome Port will be carried out next year, enabling cruise ships all-tide access.
Last year, Carnival Australia told the previous Liberal National Government that it would no longer home berth its P&O or Princess Cruise ships in WA if problems at some regional ports were not fixed.
Despite the warnings nothing was done, forcing Carnival Australia in April this year to pull its P&O ships from Western Australia for the upcoming seasons.
The withdrawal meant the State was facing a loss of $135 million in cruise-related spending per annum, along with 400 jobs.
However, on the back of the Broome commitment, and work already carried out to install shore tension units at Geraldton Port, Carnival Australia now says Princess Cruises would homeport its ship, Sun Princess, in Fremantle late next year.
In addition to the redeployment of Sun Princess to Fremantle, Carnival also has a further 19 transit calls to Western Australia in 2018 across both its Princess and Cunard brands.
The Sun Princess carries more than 2,000 passengers and it is understood Carnival Australia is considering further commitments to WA for 2019-20.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"Creating WA jobs is my Government's number one priority.
"Cruise shipping is a vital component of Western Australia's $10 billion tourism industry.
"In 2016-17 the sector contributed $387.4 million to Western Australia's economy, supporting about 1,300 jobs.
"This positive outcome is a result of three Ministers and their agencies working together to make things happen."
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"When Carnival Australia made the decision to pull out of home berthing in WA, the number of cruise ship visits was set to drop from 60 in 2016-17 to just 17 by 2018-19.
"Uninhibited access to Broome Port was imperative to get Carnival Australia interested in WA again - the port as it stands means ships can only come and go at certain times leaving people short of time for enjoying the on-shore scenery and activities.
"This dredging work means access in all tides and makes this iconic destination viable again.
"The Machinery of Government changes enabled effective and efficient collaboration between agencies which streamlined the process of reaching a positive solution for Broome Port."
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"I am pleased at the level of co-operation between government, port authorities and key tourism stakeholders to encourage the cruising industry, which is integral to WA.
"It's imperative we do all we can to make sure WA ports are an attractive and viable option for cruise lines planning their itineraries.
"We look forward to working with the industry and optimising the capability of our ports to support the expansion of tourism and jobs into the future."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Opening up Broome Port to cruise ships will add lustre to the pearl of the North-West shine.
"Cruise ship visits bring an economic injection to regional centres and provide a new avenue to show off our State's regional destinations.
"Alongside the Chinatown revitalisation, this project will help to ensure tourism drives new growth opportunities for Broome."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5600
Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6200
