Infrastructure WA

Kimberley region

The Kimberley is a vast and remote region in the north of Western Australia known for its rugged natural-beauty, unique biodiversity and rich Aboriginal culture. With a geographic area of over 420,000 square kilometres, the Kimberley consists of four local government areas and has key regional centres in Broome and Kununurra.

Key statistics*

Estimated resident population: 36,054

Gross regional product: $3.2 billion

Key strengths

  • Tourism, agriculture and food, and resources
  • Significant Aboriginal population, culture and heritage
  • Natural environment (including a World Heritage area)

Infrastructure directions

  • Support interstate and international tourism, and the Kimberley (including Broome) as a world-class tourism precinct
  • Support agriculture and food, including realising the potential of the Ord River Irrigation Area
  • Support and advance Aboriginal enterprise, and improve the liveability of remote Aboriginal communities and town-based reserves

While the Kimberley region is distinct, consultation highlighted that many regions face shared challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed to achieve this Strategy’s vision. As such, the majority of the Strategy’s 93 recommendations apply to the Kimberley and other regions. It is expected that the unique circumstances of each region are taken into account when implementing recommendations.

* Adapted from Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional population: 2019–20 financial year; Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Western Australia economic profile – May 2021.