Kimberley: a region in profile 2014
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Kimberley:
a region in profile 2014
Foreword
Kimberley: a region in profile was prepared by the Department
of Regional Development in conjunction with the Kimberley
Development Commission to provide a snapshot of the region’s
economy.
The Kimberley region is a northern jewel. The region produces
90 per cent of the world’s pink diamonds and world-class beef,
possesses a number of famous natural attractions, while the Ord-East
Kimberley Expansion Project is unlocking fertile agricultural land.
The Royalties for Regions program is an important State Government initiative that will
allocate more than $1 billion for regional projects in 2014-15, including more than $64 million
in the Kimberley region. Since it began in 2008, Royalties for Regions has allocated $4.2 billion
to more than 3,500 projects across regional Western Australia.
Through programs like Royalties for Regions, the State Government is increasingly investing in
infrastructure and services to grow the state, including implementing major economic, social
and community development projects that arise from the Regional Investment Blueprints.
This publication contains the latest information available on the economic development
conditions of the Kimberley region and is one of a series of nine regional economic summary
documents.
I invite you to read Kimberley: a region in profile and trust you will find it interesting and
informative.
H Terry
Hon T Redman
d MLA
Minister for Regional Development
Regional Development Commissions
The State’s nine Regional Development For the purposes of achieving that role a
Commissions were established by the commission is expected to:
Western Australian Parliament following t QSPNPUF UIF SFHJPO
the ratification of the Regional Development t GBDJMJUBUF DPPSEJOBUJPO CFUXFFO SFMFWBOU
Commissions Act 1993. statutory bodies and State government
agencies
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t NBYJNJTF KPC DSFBUJPO BOE JNQSPWF DBSFFS and commerce, employer and employee
opportunities in the region organisations, education and training
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economy community within the region
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economic and social development of the in the region and encourage that
region investment
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promote business development within region and encourage the provision of
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and access to, government services in public service of the State and the
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metropolitan area. instrumentalities and statutory bodies of
the State and the Commonwealth in order
to promote equitable delivery of services
within the region
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to promote equitable delivery of services
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KIMBERLEY REGION Datum and Projection Information
Vertical Datum:
Australian Height Datum (AHD)
Horizontal Datum:
Geocentric Datum of Australia 94
0 25 50 100
Kilometres
150 200
´
KEY FEATURES DATA DICTIONARY
This map is a product of the Department of Water, Projection:
Spatial Services and was printed on 06/08/2013. Geodetic
This map was produced with the intent that it be used
Spheroid: Australian National Spheroid THEME SOURCE DATE
for display purposes at the scale of [1:1,300,000] when Project Information Towns LANDGATE/ABS May 2013
printing at A0. Client: Regional Development and Lands
Map Author: Patricia Farat Road Centrelines LANDGATE September 2012
While the Department of Water has made all Filepath: J:\gisprojects\Project\D_Series\
reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of this data, D1101\0038_Pilbara_Director\0007 DLGRD Hydrography LANDGATE August 2009
the department accepts no responsibility for any
Request - Alex Ballie\A0_Maps\mxd\2013\
inaccuracies and persons relying on this data do so
Filename: Perspective_Kimberley
Tenure Department of Conservaton July 2013
at their own risk.
2013_A0.mxd Important Resource DMP - ModiĮed from July 2013
Compilation date: 06/08/2013
Edition: 1 Projects MINEDEX Database
Overview
The Kimberley is a vast region with abundant economy and tourism is expected to remain
resources, attractions and opportunities. one of the region’s major growth industries.
The region is located in the north of the state
and comprises four local government areas: The Kimberley is well positioned to capitalise
the shires of Broome, Derby-West Kimberley, on its proximity to the South East Asian
Halls Creek and Wyndham-East Kimberley. market, providing potential opportunities
The region is famous for natural attractions for future growth and development. Some
such as the Buccaneer Archipelago, Cable of the prospects include increasing trade
Beach, Cape Leveque, Geikie Gorge National links, developing irrigated agricultural land,
Park and Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National maximising regional benefits from servicing
Park. The traditional tourism season is from the mining industry and developing adventure,
April to September during the cooler months nature and cultural based tourism.
and there is increasing visitor interest in the Royalties for Regions has contributed to
dynamic wet season. numerous projects to enhance the region’s
The region has a diverse economy. Mining, economic, business and social development.
agricultural production, construction, tourism In 2014-15, $12.5 million is allocated to the
and retail trade are major contributors to Seizing the Opportunity initiative Water for
the region’s economic output. The Kimberley Food West Kimberley project, $8 million is
accounts for all of Western Australia’s diamond available for the Broome Road industrial area
output and produces approximately 90 per cent and work will commence on the $33 million
of the world’s pink diamonds. Retail turnover West Kimberley Transitional Housing project.
continues to contribute strongly to the
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Source: Department of Regional Development.
Note: Industry activity is an estimation of the gross value of production of key regional industries.
1
Population
In 2013 the estimated resident population of In the 10 years to June 2013, the population
the Kimberley was nearly 39,900, accounting grew at an average rate of 1.9 per cent per
for approximately two per cent of Western year. The region has a large Aboriginal resident
Australia’s population. The most populous base and the 2011 ABS census reported 17,000
local government area is the Shire of Broome Aboriginal Australians live in the region.
at approximately 17,200 residents or 43 per
cent of the region. Broome is also the regional In 2012, the Western Australian Planning
employment hub and a significant centre Commission forecasted the population of the
for servicing and growing the region’s many Kimberley would continue to steadily rise and
industries. reach 44,400 residents by 2023.
Population
50,000
Number of Persons
40,000
30,000
Population Projections
20,000 Source: Western Australian Planning Commission
Estimated Resident Population (D series)
Source: ABS
10,000
-
2003 2013p 2023
Year
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and WA Planning Commission.
AAGR
% Share Aboriginal
Local Government Authority 2003 2013 2003-2013
2013 ERP 2011
%
KIMBERLEY 33,026 39,890 100% 1.9 46%
Broome (S) 13,837 17,251 43% 2.2 35%
Derby-West Kimberley (S) 7,801 10,047 25% 2.6 55%
Halls Creek (S) 3,793 3,940 10% 0.4 82%
Wyndham-East Kimberley (S) 7,595 8,652 22% 1.3 41%
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Note: AAGR = Average Annual Growth Rate.
The forecast represents the best estimate
of future population size based on fertility,
mortality and migration trends.
2
Labour force
Western Australia experienced a rise in 2012-13, continuing the upward trend of
employment levels over the last decade driven the previous five years. The unemployment
by population and industry growth, and rate fluctuated over the decade to 2012-13,
international demand for raw material exports. recording a low of 5.1 per cent in 2006-07 and
The Kimberley recorded its highest level of 2011-12. Labour market conditions moderated
employment at nearly 17,700 persons in over the 12 months to 2012-13 with some
#
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#
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#
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#
Source: Department of Employment with additional estimates by the Department of Regional Development.
Note: Labour Force is an average of the financial year’s quarterly data.
Industry of Employment 2011 2006 softening of employment growth and an
Health Care and Social Assistance 12.7% 15.0%
Education and Training 12.1% 8.9%
increase in regional and state unemployment
Public Administration and Safety 9.2% 13.5% rates.
Construction 9.0% 6.8%
Retail Trade 7.7% 8.6% The 2011 ABS census reported social health
Accommodation and Food Services 7.5% 7.1%
Other Services 6.7% 5.3%
care and assistance, and education and training
Mining 5.8% 4.3% as the largest employers, each employing more
Transport, Postal and Warehousing 5.7% 5.1%
than 12 per cent of the workforce. The growth
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 4.7% 5.2%
Administrative and Support Services 3.6% 3.4% in employment can also be attributed to
Inadequately described/Not stated 3.4% 5.2% increased mining and construction activity and
Manufacturing 2.5% 3.3%
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 2.4% 2.1%
a growing tourism industry.
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services 1.4% 1.4%
Wholesale Trade 1.3% 1.2% Improving the capacity of local people to
Arts and Recreation Services 1.2% 1.0% participate in mainstream employment is a
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services 1.2% 1.0%
Information Media and Telecommunications 1.1% 1.1%
priority for the region.
Financial and Insurance Services 0.7% 0.6%
Source: ABS 2011 and 2006 Census of Population and Housing; usual residence.
3
Tourism
The Kimberley is internationally recognised According to Tourism Western Australia, the
for its unique and dramatic landscape, which industry attracted an average of 292,600
includes spectacular gorges, waterfalls and overnight visitors annually between 2010 and
cave systems and an astonishing variety 2012, of which 88 per cent were domestic
of wildlife. Famous attractions include the tourists. In the same period, turnover was
World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, estimated at $327 million per annum.
Mitchell River and Geikie Gorge national parks,
Cable Beach, Lake Argyle, Cape Leveque and Broome’s Cable Beach is arguably Western
the Buccaneer Archipelago. Australia’s most famous coastal paradise,
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20
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Source: Tourism Western Australia and Department of Regional Development.
known for its 22 kilometres of sun-kissed
white sand, turquoise water, rich red soil
and spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets. The
Kimberley offers vastly diverse experiences
such as exploring the rugged pioneering towns
of Halls Creek and Wyndham, the magnificent
setting of Kununurra and learning from
Aboriginal people about their culture.
4
Retail turnover
The retail sector is a large employer and an The Shire of Broome is the major centre of
important contributor to the Kimberley’s business activity, supported by sustained
economy. The industry was valued at population growth. Chambers of commerce
$258 million in 2001-02, steadily increasing and industry operate across the region. Local
77 per cent to $455 million in 2011-12. businesses in Halls Creek, Wyndham and
Kununurra were finalists for the 2012 Western
Australian Regional Small Business Award.
Source: Based on ABS State Retail Turnover. Regional estimates by the Department of Regional Development..
Mean taxable income
Mean
The mean taxableTaxable Income
income in the Kimberley
region was more than $66,000 in 2010-11
Median Weekly
Personal
Income 2011
Mean Taxable
Income 2010-11
Broome (S) $779 $67,852
representing an annual average growth rate Derby-West Kimberley (S) $409 $60,064
of 6.2 per cent over 10 years. The increase is Halls Creek (S) $312 $59,034
Wyndham-East Kimberley (S) $794 $68,086
driven by growth in the labour force arising Western Australian $662 $73,591
from greater employment levels, increased Source: ABS 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Australian Taxation Office and
Department of Regional Development (2010-11).
hourly rates and longer work hours.
Resources activity influenced wages in the increased production. There is a substantial
mining industry, as well as construction and section of the population that relies on welfare
wholesale trade industries servicing the transfer receipts.
5
Agriculture
The ABS reported agricultural production of cattle from the eastern states of Australia
for the Kimberley at $230 million in in the 1880s. The industry is now one of the
2011-12, representing three per cent of most established in the region. A dominant
Western Australia’s total value. Livestock player on world markets, the steady rise in
disposals (cattle and calves) accounted for demand for safe and high-quality beef has
85 per cent of this total at $195 million. The served the sector well domestically and
growth over the decade to 2011-12 is largely overseas, particularly the primary export
attributed to expansion of the beef industry, market Indonesia. Cattle are exported
which originated from overland movement through the Broome and Wyndham ports.
! !
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Regional Development.
There is increasing interest in opportunities
for horticulture in the West Kimberley, which
already produces sweet corn, watermelons
and fodder. The Water for Food West Kimberley
project will see Royalties for Regions
funding of $12.5 million targeted to water
investigations and planning for improved land
access to expand and develop new agriculture
precincts. Areas targeted include Mowanjum,
Knowsley and Fitzroy Valley.
6Ord River Irrigation Area
The Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project
will generate employment opportunities
and deliver sustainable economic growth
in agriculture and cultural tourism. Crop 2012. This unlocked great potential for new
production is dominated by the region’s largest agricultural land developments in the Goomig
irrigated agricultural project, the Ord River and Knox Plains area of the Ord Valley. The
Irrigated Area (ORIA) located near Kununurra. State Government is continuing to explore the
In 2011-12, the Department of Agriculture potential of other development areas.
and Food Western Australia estimated the The Kimberley will benefit from substantial
total value of production of the ORIA to be private investment, Wyndham Port
$117 million. The largest component was improvements and farm infrastructure
sandalwood accounting for 61 per cent at developments, building a foundation for a
$72 million. Field crops ($15 million), long-term, sustainable agricultural industry in
horticulture ($29 million) and hybrid seeds the north of the state. Additionally, a national
($1 million) accounted for the remainder. partnership agreement between the State
The region benefits from distinct competitive and Australian governments invested $195
advantages due to the warm tropical climate, million of Commonwealth funding in social
as summer crops such as mangoes and melons and community infrastructure in Kununurra,
are produced during the winter (dry) counter- Wyndham and surrounding communities. The
seasonal months. success of the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion
The Royalties for Regions program invested Project serves as a template for advancing other
$311 million to the expansion of ORIA in new agricultural precincts in Western Australia.
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Source: Department of Agriculture and
Foodd Western Australia.
7Fishing and aquaculture
The Kimberley’s fishing industry was valued at Recreational fishing is becoming increasingly
$7 million in 2011-12, following increased fish popular with visitors to the region and
catch from the previous two years. Fisheries residents.
focus on high value tropical finfish; particularly
barramundi, emperors, snapper and cod.
Fishing Catch Estimated Value Kimberley
16
OTHER CLASSES PRAWNS CRABS FISH TOTAL
14
12
10
$ million
8
6
4
2
0
2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
Year
Source: Department of Fisheries with further estimates by the Department of Regional Development.
Pearling is an iconic industry operating out of
Broome with pearl farms along the Kimberley
coast, particularly off Eighty Mile beach,
Buccaneer Archipelago and the Lacepede
Islands. The success of the Broome pearling
industry is attributed to the collection of
pearl oysters (pinctada maxima), large
tidal movements and a pristine marine
environment.
8Aquaculture The value of the industry was $70 million
Estimated Value ($’000) in 2011-12, constituting 75 per cent of the
2008-9 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 state’s pearl value. Pearl oysters for seeding
Finfish 3,097 3,199 5,333 7,105 are obtained from wild stocks with major
Koi Carp 24 25 21 14 hatcheries operating at Broome and the
Ornamental Fish 21 23 11 6 King Sound. There are further opportunities
Pearls (maxima) 67,500 64,232 74,330 69,797 to grow the aquaculture industry across the
Total 70,641 67,478 79,695 76,921 region.
Source: Department of Fisheries with further estimates by the
Department of Regional Development.
9Mining and mineral processing
Western Australia’s resources industry grew The Kimberley region has a long history
significantly over the past decade due to of mining activity, commencing with the
unprecedented overseas demand, which discovery of gold in Halls Creek in 1885.
resulted in a mineral production and revenue
increase from $27.9 billion in 2002-03 to The first construction of an iron ore mine
$101.8 billion in 2012-13. began in 1944 on Cockatoo Island and in the
Source: Department of Mines and Petroleum with further estimates by the
Department of Regional Development.
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Source: Department of Mines and Petroleum with further estimates
by the Department of Regional Development.
101980s diamond and zinc/lead deposits were
discovered. The Argyle diamond mine in the
Kimberley is the largest supplier by volume in
the world and the only known source of pink
diamonds. The region is also a significant
producer of natural coloured diamonds
including champagne, cognac, and rare blue
diamonds.
In 2012-13, total resources production in the
Kimberley was valued at $1.1 billion. Iron
ore accounted for $535 million (48 per cent).
Diamonds and crude oil make up 32 per cent
of resources production, valued at $360 million
in 2012-13. The remaining 20 per cent valued
at $217 million, is comprised of nickel, copper,
cobalt, gold, silver and construction materials.
There is significant global interest in
developing both the offshore Browse Basin
and predominately onshore Canning Basin gas
reserves. Development of these projects could
significantly impact the Kimberley economy.
A range of potential resource deposits are being
explored across the region.
11Building approvals
Building approval activity provides a strong The total value of building approvals for the
insight into planned work and the housing Kimberley was estimated at $368 million in
construction likely to follow. This activity 2012-13. There were nearly 700 residential
acts as a strong indicator in the construction buildings approved for construction, at a value
industry. Compared to the rest of the nation, of $288 million.
Western Australia remained robust over the
decade to 2012-13 in construction value and
approval numbers.
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Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics.
New building laws and a certified application
process introduced in 2012 means the approval
process is now more efficient and consistent
across the state.
The building and construction industry
supports major development projects
and provides employment and training
opportunities across the region.
The value of non-residential construction
peaked at $243 million in 2010-11 as a result
of strong mining investment. In 2012-13, the
value was estimated at $79 million.
12Project investment
For the last decade, Western Australia was
the fastest growing economy in Australia
fuelled by investment in the mining sector’s
construction phase. Western Australia
experienced a tighter investment market in
2013 due to rising production costs, lower Investment has grown significantly since
commodity prices and a softer economic 2006-07 with the increase of mining and gas
outlook. The value of mining production projects off the Kimberley coast. A floating
remains positive however, and production liquefied natural gas (LNG) platform in the
will continue to cater to domestic and Browse Basin is expected to begin drilling
international markets. It is important that the in 2017 and provide flow-on economic
economy transitions to a broader investment opportunities. Additional major projects
profile for growth. include the underground expansion of Argyle
diamond mine ($1.7 billion) and stage two
Project investment data is divided across development of the Ord River Irrigation
three categories: under consideration, Scheme ($517.5 million).
committed and under construction. Projects
under consideration are those expected to
proceed in the near future. Once the projects
are approved they are committed and under
construction where work has commenced.
Project Investment
60 40
Under consideration Committed Under construction Number
35
50
30
Number of Projects
40
25
$ billion
30 20
15
20
10
10
5
0 0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Year
Source: Deloitte Access Economics Investment Monitor and Department of Regional Development.
Note: The graph represents investment value for calendar year.
Kimberley: a region in profile 13Aboriginal Australians
At the 2011 ABS census, the Kimberley had and employment. The Ord-East Kimberley
an Aboriginal population of 17,022 people, Expansion Project developed a range
46 per cent of the region’s population. The of Aboriginal employment and training
importance of the Aboriginal population is opportunities through a partnership between
reflected in the strong impetus to progress the State and Commonwealth governments,
appropriate economic and social developments major contractors and the Miriuwung
that embrace and reflect the region’s Gajerrong traditional owners. Argyle Diamond
multicultural society. There are approximately Mine operator Rio Tinto established benchmark
160 Aboriginal communities with more than employment policies aimed at reaching a
30 traditional Aboriginal languages spoken workforce comprising 80 per cent local with
across the region. 40 per cent Aboriginal employment. In
addition, a range of innovative mechanisms to
Aboriginal arts, eco and cultural tourism and support Aboriginal training and employment
the pastoral industry incorporate the strongest are anticipated to provide socio-economic
Aboriginal involvement and offer potential for benefits beyond the life of the project.
further expansion.
Through Native Title settlements across
A number of programs administered through the region, Aboriginal people have the
State and Commonwealth governments, and opportunity to leverage and guide project
increasingly through industry, target and development. This will enable increased
promote Aboriginal economic participation Aboriginal involvement in regional planning
and contribute towards enhanced cultural
considerations for current and future projects.
Sustained social and economic benefits for
Aboriginal people can be achieved through
partnerships with public and private investors
for the benefit of the entire Kimberley
community.
14Social and economic infrastructure
Public investment in social and economic infrastructure is complemented by Community
infrastructure attracts, retains and builds human Resource Centres, which provide access to
capital and enables private sector investment. technology and information for community
members in regional townships and remote
Extensive distances between the six major Aboriginal communities.
population centres, coupled with large numbers
of small, isolated Aboriginal communities and Air services have increased over the past 10
the remoteness of local industries in relation to years with direct jet passenger flights linking
major domestic markets, presents the Kimberley the region to Perth and other capital cities.
with unique challenges in providing appropriate Charter companies provide intra-regional
infrastructure. air services between airstrips in regional
communities and small towns. Additionally,
The vast region is serviced by a network air support infrastructure is provided for the
of sealed and unsealed roads, which are offshore oil and gas industry.
complemented by shipping and air services.
Regional ports are located at Broome, Derby Government and non-government schools
and Wyndham and provide key transport provide primary and secondary education.
infrastructure for developing the regional Kimberley School of the Air services, based in
economy. Cattle and resource-based materials Derby, supports students in remote locations
are key exports. where mainstream facilities are not available.
A number of Aboriginal communities have
The electricity supply for Kununurra, Wyndham established their own independent community
and the Argyle Diamond Mine is generated from schools. Kimberley Training Institute has
the hydro-electricity plant at Lake Argyle and campuses across the region, offering a range of
there are liquefied natural gas power plants in courses. The University of Notre Dame operates
Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek. a campus in Broome and other Australian
The region is well placed to take advantage of universities also provide a broad range of
alternative energy production techniques in the programs, delivered through combinations of
future. online and interactive options.
Regional towns are linked to the broadband A range of integrated facilities deliver health
network providing businesses and the wider services across the region with town hospitals
community with access to internet services. complemented by community clinics in remote
Satellite broadband has extended range and locations.
access across the region. Communications
15Living in the Kimberley
Living in the Regions 2013 was a large-scale Specifically:
social research project conducted by the % the Kimberley is characterised by the
Department of Regional Development. The quality of lifestyle and economic and
purpose of the survey was to ascertain what career opportunities offered to local
attracts people to the regions, understand the residents
barriers of living in the regions, measure the % results showed a very high number of
quality of life in regional Western Australia, respondents were regularly involved in
and most importantly use that information community and cultural activities
to inform and direct regional development % the Kimberley was rated a desired location
initiatives into the future. The survey received to live in the future.
more than 10,000 responses.
Living in the Regions 2013 will assist
Respondents were asked to rate attitudes and government, the private sector and community
participation according to nine categories, with partners to direct their efforts and investments
a score of 10 representing the most positive on matters relevant to people living in regional
and a score of one the least positive. Results Western Australia. A copy of Living in the
confirmed the regions have a lot to offer local Regions 2013 State Report is available for
residents. The most positively rated aspects of download at www.drd.wa.gov.au. In 2014,
regional life were safety and lifestyle, general a Living in the Regions: Kimberley Report
well-being and happiness. detailing all data from the survey will be
available.
."&,
-"..
# -",/
-").
-"()
-"(&
-"'(
-"&-
# +"-&
& ( * , . '&
Source: Department of Regional Development - Living in the Regions 2013 State Report.
16Invest in the Kimberley
Tourism Agriculture
The Kimberley’s unique natural environment The Kimberley region has land resources that
provides a strong basis for a sustainable can provide a variety of economic, multiple use
tourism industry capable of delivering benefits and diversification options. Climatic conditions
to some of the region’s most remote localities. provide the capacity for regional agriculture to
The region is renowned for its environmental exploit ‘out of season’ production windows.
values, many of which have been identified
for regional, state, national and international The quantity of divertible surface water
significance. The Kimberley is defined by and ground water reserves are nationally
unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems with significant and coincide, in some locations,
complex biodiversity values set in wild, rugged with agricultural soil types. The capacity to
and remote landscapes. develop these resources in the context of global
food security provides a highly influential
With more than 290,000 visitors spending development opportunity that is gaining state
more than $330 million per year, the Kimberley and national focus.
provides excellent investment opportunities
in a wide range of tourist attractions and The Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project is a
accommodation options. joint initiative of the State and Commonwealth
governments and includes the release of up
A growing number of the Kimberley’s tourists to 14,000 hectares of agricultural land to
seek original cultural and educational reach a total area of 28,000 hectares plus
experiences in learning about the region’s significant social, community and common-use
Aboriginal heritage. There are opportunities infrastructure development.
to partner with local traditional owners to
develop unique tourism experiences that will The project provides the ideal venture for
enhance visitor satisfaction and integrate potential investors to capitalise on the future
economic opportunities for local people and development of the Kimberley region and
investors. benefit from proximity to Asian food markets.
There are also opportunities to fill a range Resources
of niche gaps in tourism product supply in a The development potential created by the
number of regional towns. global demand for the region’s resources,
global food security and proximity to Asia are
yet to be fully realised. As the region develops
17and improves logistics networks and key capitalise on regional growth through the
transport infrastructure, access to Asian development of new and existing industries.
markets will be an important highlight of
economic development. Traditional owner Native Title holders have
emerged as key land owners in and around
The Kimberley has significant resource many regional towns. There are opportunities
potential creating opportunities for investors. to develop a range of projects in partnership
Strategically valuable minerals, offshore gas to achieve objectives for traditional owners
and potentially onshore gas will all heavily and investors and to achieve culturally
impact on future development and provide appropriate and sustainable regional
regional competitive advantage. development.
The Kimberley region’s established natural
resource industries include diamonds, gold,
iron ore and nickel. There is a range of
opportunities in supporting service industries
to capitalise on existing and potential
resource developments across the region.
Land development
The Kimberley region has land resources that
can provide a variety of economic, multiple
use and diversification options. Land releases
for residential and industrial purposes are key
enablers for regional growth and investment.
Across the region residential land availability
continues to be developed to meet the
demand of population growth.
Potential large regional projects will require
increasing levels of local support through
the provision of goods and services. New
and planned industrial land developments
provide opportunities for investors to
18Contact us
Kimberley Development Commission
BROOME OFFICE All correspondence should be directed to:
7 Ebony Street Upstairs, Corner Napier & Chief Executive Officer
PO Box 620 Dampier Terrace Kimberley Development Commission
KUNUNURRA WA 6743 PO Box 172 PO Box 620
Telephone: (08) 9148 2100 BROOME WA 6725 KUNUNURRA WA 6743
Facsimile: (08) 9168 1473 Telephone: (08) 9194 3000 Email: info@kdc.wa.gov.au
Facsimile: (08) 9193 6142 Website: www.kdc.wa.gov.au
DERBY OFFICE
West Kimberley House
16 Loch Street
PO Box 845
DERBY WA 6728
Telephone: (08) 9193 1444
Facsimile: (08) 9193 1445
Department of Regional Development
Level 2, Gordon Stephenson House
140 William Street
PERTH WA 6000
PO Box 1143
WEST PERTH WA 6872
Telephone: (08) 6552 1800
Free call: 1800 049 155 (Country only)
Facsimile: (08) 6552 1850
Email: info@drd.wa.gov.au
Web: www.drd.wa.gov.au
All photos are courtesy of the Kimberley Development Commission.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is for general information only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness
of the information, information referred to in this publication may include or be based on data provided to the Department of Regional Development (DRD) from
other sources or organisations. Any person who uses or seeks to rely on this information, including for comparative purposes, should obtain appropriate professional
advice relevant to their particular circumstances.
Neither DRD nor the State of Western Australia (including their employees, officers and agents) make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or
completeness of the information or take responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information. DRD and the State of Western Australia (including their
employees, officers and agents) do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred or suffered by any person as a result of the information contained in the
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