Progress continues on life-saving Broome infrastructure investments

Works are well underway on two significant infrastructure projects in Broome, one establishing a Royal Flying Doctor Service base at the Broome International Airport and the other improving road safety at a Black Spot intersection on Cable Beach Road.

Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher, who visited Broome today, said that while the two projects were different, they had one important thing in common: reducing trauma and saving lives.

“The Australian Government is providing $2.7 million through the Community Development Grants Programme to the $6 million Royal Flying Doctor base project,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Works are underway to construct and fit-out two hangars, a patient transfer centre, administration offices, staff facilities and secure car-parking facilities for staff vehicles.

“This is a vital infrastructure for the people of Broome and the region as a whole. On many occasions the Royal Flying Doctor Service means all the difference for sick or injured patients. This new facility will further that medical safety net.

“On Cable Beach Road, the Australian Government is fully-funding a $580,000 project to improve road safety at a known Black Spot intersection.

“Funds will be used to improve lighting, line-markings and signage and to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Cable Beach Road, East Reid Road and TAFE Access Road.

“The Black Spot Programme targets road locations where crashes are occurring, as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to reduce crashes on Australian roads.”

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that Broome had experienced among the largest and fastest population growth in Western Australia, outside of Perth.

“The Australian Government is investing in infrastructure projects to support Broome’s future,” Ms Price said.

“Over the last five years, flying doctor transportations to Broome have increased 236 per cent, making Broome the busiest patient transport hub in the north of Western Australia.

“The construction of a new Royal Flying Doctor Service base at the Broome International Airport will make emergency professional medical care more accessible across the State’s north-west region.

“Nearby, the Black Spot intersection upgrade on Cable Beach Road is well underway, with completion scheduled for later this month.”

Further information on Australian Government infrastructure investment projects nationwide is available online at http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/.