The Albanese Government has announced a major investment in Western Australia’s future, providing expanded First Port of Entry status to three key northern ports and delivering a $200 million package to boost housing and community infrastructure in regional areas.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the investments reflect his government’s commitment to ensuring regional WA has the resources and infrastructure needed to thrive. By enabling direct imports and exports through northern ports, the government is reducing costs for local businesses and supporting economic growth in the Kimberley and Pilbara.
“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.”
The ports of Wyndham, Ashburton, and Dampier will now offer enhanced border services, allowing goods subject to biosecurity and other controls to enter Australia directly. This change is expected to transform operations for industries in the East Kimberley and Pilbara regions, enabling businesses to import and export goods closer to their base of operations, cutting costs, and improving supply chain resilience.
These upgrades are particularly significant for emerging clean energy and green fuel projects, helping position the regions as hubs for economic development.
Premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook added, that his government is working with PM Albanese to build more houses and deliver important investments right across regional WA.
“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.”
The government’s housing package aims to unlock 1,367 new homes across the state, with funding allocated to essential infrastructure projects such as water, power, and roads.
Among the investments are $32.8 million for over 400 homes in the Wheatbelt region, $22.1 million for nearly 600 homes in Karratha, and $14.2 million to enable 86 new homes in Lockyer.
The programme is part of a broader national target to build 1.2 million well-located homes over the next five years, addressing growing demand and improving liveability in regional communities.
Community infrastructure is also a key focus, with funding allocated to projects designed to enhance local amenities and foster cultural, recreational, and social opportunities.
Highlights include $15 million for the Newman Youth and Community Hub, which will feature sports facilities, a childcare centre, and outdoor spaces, and $19.6 million for the Wyndham Multi-Purpose Community Hub, providing arts, education, and evacuation facilities.
Other initiatives include waterfront development in Kununurra, revitalisation of Carnarvon’s CBD, and the construction of new arts centres to preserve and celebrate Indigenous culture.
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