Environs Kimberley welcomes the withdrawal of the Cook government’s Department of Transport proposal for boat ramps and car parks at Entrance Point beach from assessment by the EPA (details here). The conservation group is also calling on the Cook government to improve the condition and safety of existing boat ramps.

“The proposal for boat ramps and a giant car park, priced at $77 million in 2020, on one of the most unique beaches in Broome would’ve had a devastating impact on the coast at Entrance Point,” said Environs Kimberley Executive Director Martin Pritchard.

“The beach is unique, bookended by sandstone cliffs where families have come to fish, swim and recreate for generations, it would’ve been covered in more than 10 metres of rock and concrete and a monstrous 12-metre-high break wall in front of it would’ve changed the ocean view forever.

Over a thousand locals signed a petition to the Legislative Council calling on the Cook government to reject the proposal.

Entrance Point Beach is full of sea life as well as 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints. There’s also a rare rock formation that has archaeological significance that would’ve been destroyed by the proposal.”

The $77 million price tag is now out of date and the increase in costs including inflation would have pushed that beyond the $100 million mark in our view.

“The cost for this proposal will have spiralled and spending over $100 million on boat launching and a bigger car park seems incredibly excessive given the low amount of money spent on protecting the environment in the Kimberley not to mention the social issues in town including the housing crisis.”

“We’re calling on the Cook government to improve the conditions and safety of existing boat ramps. It’s also crucial to provide clear information, particularly for inexperienced boat owners, about where and how to launch and retrieve boats safely. Broome locals who’ve been boating all their lives tell us that education is key.”

Listen to Goolarri Radio with presenter Sandy Dann talking to EK Director Martin Pritchard

Photo: Entrance Point at sunset - would be covered in concrete and turned into a car park – Damian Kelly