The resource industry is a significant contributor to the Kimberley economy. Commodities produced in the region include diamonds, nickel and iron ore. In addition, a globally significant offshore oil and natural gas reserve, the Browse Basin, lies 400km north of the Kimberley coast.
CME in the Kimberley
CME is actively working on behalf of members on a number of issues and projects related to the Kimberley region.
In late September, CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith was among the speakers at ‘Bright Horizons’ – the Kimberley Economic Forum held in Broome. Presenting on mining and gas exploration in the Kimberley, he examined the long history of mining in the region and its development into the billion dollar industry it is today. CME also challenged attendees at the forum to embrace the concept that mining and tourism in the Kimberley can co-exist, as they do in other regions, most notably the State’s South West.
In July The Western Australian Planning Commission invited CME members to nominate representatives to the Kimberley, as well as the Mid West and Pilbara, Regional Planning Committees. CME was pleased to nominate three representatives to these Committees on behalf of our member companies.
CME has provided a submission to the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy and met with the facilitator, Chris Ellison.