Broome looks to Singapore for International flights

Broome's International Airport chances of recommencing International flights has been boosted with Australia's Northwest and Broome Gateway Committee to jointly receive $15,000 from Shire of Broome to assist with travel costs for members of the Gateway Committee to visit airline and Government representatives in the eastern states, in order to negotiate for international flights between Broome and Singapore.

The Shire of Broome September minutes go on to say;

"The abovementioned Gateway Committee is comprised of:
Hon Chris Ellison – Chairman, Australia’s North West Tourism and Broome Gateway Committee
Kelvin Barr - Deputy Director, Kimberley Development Commission
Nick Belyea - GM Broome International Airport
Rick Thomas - Executive Director, Aviation Development, Tourism WA
Vaughan Davies - Regional Manager, Tourism WA
Graeme Campbell - Shire President, Shire of Broome
Robert Banfield - Managing Director, Willie Creek Pearls
Bernard Whewell - Managing Director, Broome and The Kimberley Holidays
Glen Chidlow – Chief Executive Officer, Australia’s Northwest Tourism
Ron Johnston - Chamber of Commerce and Aviation Professional

ANW and the Broome Gateway Committee have been working on this particular project for some time. It has the capacity to provide a significant boost to the local economy, both from a tourism and commercial perspective, and open up Broome and the Kimberley to the international stage.

The introduction of international flights into Broome will also provide a wonderful opportunity for Broome and regional residents who may wish to travel internationally.

ANW and Broome Gateway Committee enthusiasm on this project has gained confidence and momentum especially since the recent State Government announcement in a Tourism WA newsletter dated May 2010, stating that Tourism WA is creating a new Infrastructure and Investment Division, focussing on developing significant projects having the biggest impact on tourism growth. One of the division’s key priorities will include the development of Broome as a genuine international aviation gateway.

The Shire of Broome generates an annual income of $315,000 from the Tourism Differential rate. Of this, in the Shire of Broome 2010/2011 Budget, $285,000 is distributed between ANW($175,000), and the Broome Visitor Centre ($110,000). An additional amount of $30,000 is included in the budget and set aside for other tourism expenditure, which is not yet specified"

Click here to read the full minutes; http://www.broome.wa.gov.au/council/pdf/minutes/2010/20100930om.pdf