Call for protection of Roebuck Bay and Kimberley coast from invasive threat by foreign vessels
Broome-based conservation group Environs Kimberley is signalling the alarm over catastrophic threat risk from foreign vessels bringing invasive species to Roebuck Bay, Broome’s cherished natural asset and the world-famous Kimberley coast. EK is calling for community consultation and an independent environmental risk assessment.
“Roebuck Bay is one of Broome’s most important community assets. Whether it's fishing in the Bay or on the shore, crabbing in the mangroves, exploring the seagrass and reefs or going for a swim at Town Beach, a vast majority of the people of Broome care deeply about it and the Traditional Owner connection is vital,” said Environs Kimberley’s Martin Pritchard.
The State and Federal Governments’ plans to give First Point of Entry (FPOE) status for the Port of Broome would mean foreign vessels could come directly into Roebuck Bay from overseas with the risk of bringing invasive species with them.
“Roebuck Bay has been relatively sheltered from invasive species because foreign ships must quarantine at another port first. We’ve seen disasters like the Black-striped mussel invasion in Darwin, requiring mass poisoning to control it. We don’t want that kind of disaster happening here.”
Marine invasive species can cost millions in damage and efforts to remove them, but once they establish themselves they can be impossible to eradicate.
Questions in the WA Parliament have uncovered marine invasive species at the Port of Broome, including White colonial sea squirt (Didemnum perlucidum), which is originally from the Caribbean. It is known to grow heavily over mussels and oysters and smother them.
Asian Green Mussel has also been found at the Port of Broome.
“We’re calling on the Federal Minister Catherine King and her State counterpart, Minister for Ports David Michael, to consult the community over their plans to open up Roebuck Bay to foreign vessels so that everyone understands the risks involved and can have a say. We’re also calling for an independent environmental risk assessment,” Mr Pritchard said.
“Both State and Federal Governments are putting the Kimberley coast at risk, an area known the world over as being intact. It is worth tens of millions of dollars in tourism revenue,” Mr Pritchard said.
Over 1,000 people call to protect Broome's Entrance Point reef from industrial jetty
Over 1,000 people have sent a letter to Minister for Ports David Michael calling for the protection of Broome's Entrance Point Reef from an industrial jetty primarily for the oil and gas industry.
Mark Coles-Smith, Michael Jalaru Torres and Paul Boon call for the protection of Entrance Point Reef Photo: Damian Kelly
Entrance Point Reef is a well-loved marine wonderland with over 40 species of coral, clown fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Locals regard it as a premier land-based fishing spot and a popular reef exploring area. Already, damage to the area has been done. You can read more here CALL TO STOP DESTRUCTIVE DRILLING AT ENTRANCE POINT REEF IN BROOME
“The community is calling on Minister for Ports David Michael to protect Entrance Point Reef which is a premier land-based fishing spot and the most popular reef exploring area in Broome from an industrial jetty which is mainly for the oil and gas industry," Environs Kimberley Director of Strategy Martin Pritchard said.
Naomi Pigram, Ngaire Pigram and Amanda McInerney call for the protection of Entrance Point Reef. Photo Damian Kelly
To send a letter to the Minister david Michael, go here Letter to Protect Entrance Point Reef
To sign a hard copy petition or help get signatures contact the EK Office on 0891921922 
To stay informed on this issue, follow our link, scroll down & sign up: https://bit.ly/StayInformedWithEK
: Damian Kelly
Protect Entrance Point Reef - send a letter to the Minister
The Kimberley coast is amongst the top 4% of the most intact coastlines in the world. The seagrass beds, mangroves and coral communities are healthy; fish, turtle, dugong, dolphin and crab populations depend on them.
Roebuck Bay is cherished by all sectors of the Broome community, highly valued for its natural and cultural values. The reefs around the Bay and at Entrance Point are highly significant for local Aboriginal people, who have been fishing here for countless generations and have been bringing families down to enjoy all aspects of the reef for recreation, learning, spiritual and physical sustenance and deep contemplation. More than 40 species of coral have recently been found here by the community. Dinosaur footprints of high cultural value are present.
The proposed industrial private floating jetty at Entrance Point is extremely concerning to the community.
It would not only open the door to industrialising the West Kimberley, but would also damage the cherished Entrance Point Reef.
We call on you, the Minister for Ports David Michael and the WA Government to protect Entrance Point Reef in perpetuity from damaging industrial development.
Broome port oil and gas infrastructure heading for conservation collision
We are disappointed to hear the announcement that construction has begun on the Kimberley Marine Support Base in Broome.
“Work started on the floating jetty last week with the company and WA government saying it will boost the region's oil and gas industries as well as tourism and agriculture,” ABC Kimberley reported.
Environs Kimberley’s Martin Pritchard said it was surprising that the reported $200 million investment is based on revenue from projects that have yet to be approved. Report on ABC Kimberley -
We are extremely surprised that the Cook government is facilitating this given that, according to the Kimberley Development Commission, it’s based on revenue from the Roebuck Basin - as yet, no oil or gas discoveries have been made in the Roebuck Basin. Browse Basin project by Woodside – no final investment decision has been made. Cruise ships – already dock at the existing jetty. Live export of cattle – already go through the Port of Broome and are high risk given the potential for the industry to be shut down by disease. Shipping containers – there are no industries using large amounts of containers.
This proposed development, supposedly based on industrialising the Kimberley through oil and gas, comes at a time when we’ve been clearly told that no new fossil fuel projects can be opened if we want a safe planet. It’s also in the middle of the Entrance Point reef platform which bears over 40 species of coral and an intricate web of marine life.