Anthony Albanese announces key ports decision and $200m in WA housing

Anthony Albanese has announced over $200m in housing and infrastructure projects in WA as well as the regulatory approval to pave the path for expanded shipping to three ports in the state.

Anthony Albanese with Labor MP Luke Gosling on a cattle station in Lake Nash, in the Northern Territory. Picture: PMO

Anthony Albanese has announced over $200m in housing and infrastructure projects in Western Australia as well as the regulatory approval to pave the path for expanded shipping to three ports in the state.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Kununurra later on Thursday, a town in Western Australia that borders the Northern Territory, following visits in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

In a joint statement with WA Labor Premier Roger Cook and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, Mr Albanese said approvals for “expanded border services” at Wyndham, Ashburton and Dampier will allow for “more direct international shipping, meaning business and industries in the north will be able to import and export goods closer to their operations, without having to transit through ports further away”.

They said this would particularly benefit the East Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

The statement said the $200m investment in housing and infrastructure under three government programs – Housing Support, Growing Regions, and Precincts and Partnership programs – could pave the path for 1,367 new homes in the state.

“My government is building Australia’s future, investing more than $200 million across Western Australia in housing and important community infrastructure,” Mr Albanese said.

“Regional WA is a beautiful place to live, work and visit, and my government wants to ensure it has the housing and amenities it needs to continue to grow and thrive.

“We always look for ways to support businesses and communities – which is why the changes to First Port of Entry will make a huge difference across the East Kimberley and Pilbara, shoring up local jobs and supply chains.”

Mr Cook said his government was working with the commonwealth government to build more houses and deliver investments in WA, and said the ports decision was “critically important”.

“First point of entry is a critically important decision that will unlock significant economic opportunities across the Kimberley and Pilbara, supporting local business, local jobs and local communities,” he said.

“Allowing direct imports and exports through Wyndham Port is a major boost for the East Kimberley’s agricultural, resources and tourism industries, reducing costs for local businesses and kickstarting a new era for economic development in the region.”