We call on the Shire of Broome to urgently address the poor condition of Manari Road, an unsealed yet vital route for tourism, cultural access, and the livelihood of local residents. Manari Road provides the only ground access to one of Western Australia’s and Broome’s top tourist attractions, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, as well significant traditional owner cultural and recreation areas, including popular fishing and camping spots for both locals and tourists.

Unformed and depressed below the natural surface, the road is unable to withstand increased tourist traffic, spring tides or the heavy rains of Broome’s wet season. Basic grading offers only brief and temporary relief from corrugations. They have deteriorated drastically each year and will continue to do so if the current maintenance and management practices are continued. Certain sections of the roads are frequently impassable, causing significant disruption to access and public safety in addition to negatively impacting the surrounding landscape and environment.

To support Broome’s growth and accessibility, we urge the Shire of Broome to prioritise the following improvements:

1. Upgrade to Type 2 formed road standard to ensure year-round access.
2. Commit to further upgrades to Type 3 gravel and Type 4 sealed road standards.
   
   This commitment aligns with the Regional Strategies for Significant Local Government Roads – Roads 2040 and the Waterbank Planning Strategy, promoting tourism, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.

This petition is supported by the Gogolanyngor Aboriginal Corporation, the Prescribed Body Corporate for the Jabirr Jabirr / Ngumbarl people who hold Native Title in the area. In addition it is also supported by the Broome Visitor Centre, Cruise Broome Australia’s Northwest Tourism and the Tourism Council of Western Australia. The Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry have also submitted a letter to the Shire of Broome to support tourism accessibility and weather-related infrastructure challenges across the broader Kimberley region.