Latest news with #DivinaD'Anna
West Australian
2 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
State Government steps in to provide public transport service in Broome after local company shuts down
The State Government has stepped in to provide a public bus service in Broome after the Broome Explorer Bus service stop operating suddenly earlier this week. The Broome Explorer bus was the only regular bus service allowing locals and tourists to get around the iconic tourist destination. Starting Monday, August 18, temporary services will commence on the Broome Explorer Bus route, utilising three low-floor ex-Transperth buses which currently operate school bus routes within Broome. The TransBroome-branded service will operate hourly between outside of school pick-up and drop-off times while fares will be the same as Transperth, with payment possible via existing cash or EFTPOS systems. The service will run until the end of the year while the Public Transport Authority undertakes a broader review of public transport services in Broome. Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said a bus service in Broome was vital for locals and tourists alike. 'The Broome Explorer Bus played an important role in providing public transport to the people of Broome and tourists alike, so it's regrettable that it's ceased operating,' she said. 'This temporary service will ensure that Broome residents remain connected to employment and key services, and visitors can still access key destinations and businesses.' Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna encouraged the community to make the most of the new service. 'I'm pleased that the State Government has been able to step in and provide a temporary public transport service for the Broome community,' she said. 'The service will be a convenient way to get around and won't impact the school bus routes currently provided by TransBroome.' Speaking to the Advertiser on August 14, Broome Explorer Bus owner Cody McColl said he was forced to shutter the business after running at a loss for seven months.
West Australian
15-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
New East Kimberley Regional Airport tender opens as upgrades continue
Upgrades to East Kimberley Regional Airport continue with a tender going out for the construction of a new section of road. The Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley's tender is for the design and construction of about 200m of Laines Jones Road as part of the airport commercial precinct project. It comes after construction of the long-awaited runway extension at the airport started in May to allow larger aircraft to operate at full capacity. Currently, Boeing 737-800 aircraft have to limit the number of passengers they can fly from of 176 to 146 in the wet season and 158 in the dry, due to temperature conditions and runway length. The upgrades will also potentially open up flights from major cities on the east coast with construction scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. 'The tourism, businesses and broader community have been calling for this upgrade for some time, and I am thrilled our Government is helping make it a reality,' Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna said at the time. 'We all know how incredible the East Kimberley is, and thanks to this upgrade to the airport, we will be able to boost visitation, support tourism and small business and enhance the resilience of our supply chains during extreme weather events.' The extension will also support flight connections to Broome, Darwin and Perth, as well as the Kununurra-Halls Creek-Balgo service. The tender deadline is 2pm AWST on August 6. Details of the tender package can be obtained on the shire's website at .
