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A community newsletter from the Kimberley Ports AuthorityDECEMBER 2015
NAVIGAT R
Navigating the Kimberley Ports Authority: How we operateKPA is a government trading enterprise (GTE) created under the Port Authorities Act 1999 (WA), originally to manage the Port of Broome. GTEs allow organisations to operate in a more corporate manner than government departments. KPA has a Board of Directors, with a Chair, who are ultimately responsible to the Minister for Transport.
Welcome
The first of an estimated 36 concrete pours, totalling 4,000 cubic metres of reinforced concrete, took place on 14 December 2015.
The $24.15 million wharf refurbishment – funded by the Government of Western Australia – will substantially improve and extend the life of the Port of Broome’s wharf, which was originally constructed in 1967.
Refurbishment of the outer berths (six to eight) started in November 2015, with the upgrade to be carried out in four stages finishing around December 2016.
The works will affect some vessels entering the Port over that time, with current restrictions on vessels larger than 135 metres using the outer berths.
These restrictions will be in place until 2 March 2016 and Port customers should contact the Harbour Master for berthing requirements.
Following the replacement of the reinforced concrete decks along the outer berths, work will begin on inner berths one to three, culminating with works on the wharf neck.
“KPA has scheduled works to minimise any impacts on our customers and we are looking at ways to accommodate the livestock export
vessels, large cruise ships and fuel tanker deliveries,” said Scott Baker, Engineer.
“Although there will be limited outer berth space available until April 2016, loading operations will be modified to ensure that important export activity is accommodated.”
The works are being undertaken by contractors York Civil, which have sub-contracted several local businesses.
Any Port user with queries about the works should contact Vikas Bangia, Harbour Master on (08) 9194 3100 or email [email protected].
Works schedule
Stage Schedule*
Outer berths 6-8 Nov 2015–Feb 2016
Inner berths 1-3 Feb 2016–mid-Apr 2016
Inner & outer berths 4-5
Mid-Apr 2016–Jun 2016
Wharf neck Jun 2016–Dec 2016
* Please note: This schedule is subject to change. Visit the KPA website or contact KPA for schedule updates.
The machinery is in; trucks mobilised; and workers on-site for the first stage of wharf refurbishment works at the Port of Broome.
Wharf refurb generates jobs and growth
It’s exciting times for KPA as we are set to take on a greater leadership role by extending our responsibility from the ports of Broome and Browse to the ports of Yampi Sound, Derby and Wyndham. As our reach into the region expands, we’re also introducing more ways to keep in touch with our community, including through our new newsletter.
Navigator will track our course through the port amalgamation process, and provide insights on our operations, our people and activities that may affect you.
In this first issue, we reflect on recent achievements, including our:
• safety awards;• financial reporting accolade; • environmental programs; and• online activities.
We also look toward 2016.
In the coming year, KPA will join others affected by the downturn in the oil and gas industry. We forecast the number of vessels visiting Broome will almost halve, and we expect that activity level may continue for several years.
In response, we’re looking at new ways to attract vessels to the Port. A major wharf refurbishment and new wastewater treatment plant are planned, and KPA welcomes input from stakeholders on other initiatives that may generate Port trade.
As we prepare for 2016, the KPA Board and team thank you for your continued support and we wish you an enjoyable festive season and a happy New Year.
Laurie ShervingtonChair, Kimberley Ports Authority
Waste turned to water
WHAT’S THAT?
KPA is turning the tide on water wastage by installing a new wastewater treatment plant that will turn waste liquid into water for irrigation, firefighting and other outdoor uses.
The wastewater plant will replace leach drains and septic systems currently on-site at the Port of Broome.
The plant will take waste water and treat it to a level suited for outdoor uses, such as irrigation and dust suppression.
“The new plant is great news for the Port, the local community and the environment,” said Kevin Schellack, CEO.
“The project will ensure we have sufficient wastewater treatment capacity to support future growth at the Port and can meet demands of Port users during the peak of the tourist season.
“The plant will provide an alternative source for our non-potable water uses such as irrigation, so Broome’s high-quality drinking water is conserved for the community.
“And, the removal of the existing septic systems and leach drains will also help prevent contaminants and nutrients from these systems potentially entering the surrounding environment, including soils, groundwater and Roebuck Bay.
“It’s just one part of KPA’s program to promote environmental sustainability, resource preservation and continual improvement.”
Construction of the new wastewater treatment plant will begin in the first quarter of 2016.
KPA makes the top 20!For the third year in a row, KPA has been recognised as one of the State’s top small ‘best practice’ agencies by Western Australia’s Office of the Auditor-General (OAG).
Each year the OAG rates government agencies on their financial reporting and financial controls. The best performing agencies are then awarded top 20 large agency or top 20 small agency ‘best practice’ status.
“KPA has been recognised as a top achiever in the 2014/15 financial year and named one of the top 20 small best practice agencies,” said Natalie Beckett, Finance Manager.
“It’s great to see the work of our finance team recognised and winning the audit award for three years in a row shows that KPA’s financial practices are very sound.”
To be one of the top 20 small best practice agencies, KPA had to meet strict criteria in the annual audit and deliver on key financial performance indicators.
Ever wondered why there’s an unruly collection of sticks left atop one of the light towers at the Port of Broome?
The ramshackle collection is the home of Eastern Ospreys, also known as Fish Hawk or White-headed Osprey.
The birds use the same nest for breeding year after year, so the ‘structure’ is left and preserved.
The nest platform was erected by KPA in response to the birds trying to build a nest on top of the lights (unsuccessfully!).
While you may notice multiple birds fetching driftwood and sticks to build the nest, it’s usually only the female birds that place the material within the nest.
Ospreys are birds of prey, so they feed on the fish around the Port and Broome.
Meet our people: Stevedore, Genevra BillcliffWhen Genevra Billcliff is not loading ships at the wharf she is enjoying the great outdoors; soaking up all that Broome has to offer those with a sense of adventure.
“I was brought up on a farm, so my interests tend to be outdoor-based activities like camping and hunting. I’ve been going pig hunting for years, which is not something that everyone does, but I enjoy the adrenalin rush,” explained Genevra.
Being a stevedore gives Genevra the opportunity to work outdoors and there’s plenty of variety in her work each day.
Operating cranes and forklifts and undertaking all manner of rigging duties are par for the course and on any given day she can find herself working on a rig tender, cattle boat or general cargo vessel.
“I love the variety in my work with the different types of cargo. I also get to work with a lot of other stevedores, giving me the chance to work with different people every day, so life is never dull,” Genevra said.
“The work is interesting and there is always something different happening to keep you on your toes.”
Genevra is one of two female stevedores working at KPA, and her role as an Irregular Shift Worker – Stevedore, sees her heading out to the wharf early morning and working long hours loading and unloading various vessels that call into the Port of Broome.
But the early starts and hard work don’t faze this country girl – she likes nothing better than heading outback when her shifts are finished, and venturing outside of Broome’s town centre appeals to Genevra’s adventurous spirit.
Genevra Billcliff: stevedore and outdoor adventurer.
Five years of industry safety accolades has resulted in KPA receiving a Platinum Award in the 2015 IFAP/CGU Safe Way Awards.
The awards recognise Western Australian employers who implement and maintain best practice in workplace safety.
Organisations are encouraged to set goals to improve occupational safety and health, and promote greater awareness of safety. The 2015 award recognises KPA’s commitment to continuous improvement of its safety management programs.
Having been a recipient of the Safe Way Gold Award for the past five years, KPA was able to nominate for the Platinum Award.
Elevation to the highest level of recognition was not automatic – KPA had to provide evidence of the effectiveness of its safety systems during an on-site audit in July.
Top safety accolade
Broome Little Athletics Club President Brendon Grail (centre) and his son Ky (10), with KPA’s Mary Waldron, Veronica Mair, Rosemary Braybrook and Christina Gray.
CLICK FRENZY
Crab Creek clean-up A team of KPA staff donned gloves to get stuck into cleaning up Crab Creek in Broome.
More than 10 bags of rubbish were collected from around Crab Creek when four KPA staff members joined the Broome Little Athletics Club in their dry season clean-up.
Footwear, chairs, car parts and barbeque grills were among the unusual items washed up on the beach, but the main aim of the clean-up was to remove all the plastics that litter the waterways and pose a risk for local wildlife.
“This was a great community activity for KPA to be involved in while also helping our marine environment,” said Veronica Mair, HSE Manager, who participated in the clean-up.
“Crab Creek is a well-visited recreational fishing and boating area and KPA is pleased to be a part of keeping the waters and surrounds of Roebuck Bay clean.”
Well done to all the volunteers who helped remove the rubbish from the foreshore area!
KPA’s website got more than a new look when it launched in October – it got a complete revamp, making it more user-friendly.
The site is now optimised for mobile devices, making it easy for customers to quickly access vital Port information on the go.
Berth booking forms are now available as interactive PDFs and a range of other forms will soon follow suit, streamlining the paperwork and saving KPA customers time.
Online bill payments are also coming soon.
All customers need to know about the Port of Broome is now just a click away.
Visit www.kimberleyports.wa.gov.au.
KPA’s Veronica Mair accepting the Platinum Award from CGU’s Llewellyn Jones.
Ports amalgamation update
Be cyclone savvy this season
If there’s anything you’d like to know about the Port of Broome or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 280 Port Drive, Broome, phone (08) 9194 3100 or email [email protected].
GET IN T UCH
The State Government has developed a vision for Western Australian ports, which has resulted in the amalgamation of a number of ports – and KPA is part of that vision.
In 2016, KPA will continue its journey to develop from an authority responsible for the Port of Broome and Port of Browse (also known as James Price Point) to an authority with regulatory responsibility for the ports of Yampi Sound, Derby and Wyndham.
The amalgamation is dependent on legislative amendments to the Port Authorities Act 1999. These amendments will be considered by Parliament in 2016 and are expected to be passed around July 2016, depending on Parliament’s other legislative priorities.
Shortly after the legislation is passed, KPA expects that it will assume regulatory responsibility for the ports of Derby and Yampi Sound, with the Port of Wyndham to transition sometime between 2017 and July 2019 (at the latest).
CEO Kevin Schellack said KPA was looking forward to working with all of the port operators and licensees to develop trade for the benefit of the region.
LAND FOR LEASE
Every year during cyclone season (November to April) an average of five tropical cyclones arise over the warm waters off the north-west coast, with two usually crossing the coast.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), 75 per cent of severe cyclone crossings in Australia occur in our State, with the north-west coast having the highest incidence of cyclones in the southern hemisphere.
History shows that winds up to 200 km/h have been recorded in the Broome area.
KPA prepares for the cyclone season each year by reviewing its Cyclone Contingency Plan, which can be downloaded from www.kimberleyports.wa.gov.au/Port-of-Broome/Port-Operations/Cyclone-contingency.
When a Blue Alert is issued all vessels in Port waters need to follow their own cyclone contingency plan and perform one of three actions:
1. Make to sea, leave Port waters and follow their cyclone avoidance plan
2. Secure the vessel to a registered cyclone-rated mooring
3. Slip the vessel and cyclone-lash it to securing blocks on the hardstand.
Masters and owners of vessels are responsible for:
• the safety of their vessels and crews;
• damage caused to other vessels and public facilities by their vessel;
• having and observing their own cyclone contingency plan;
• providing a copy of their vessel’s cyclone contingency plan to KPA (for Broome-based vessels); and
• informing KPA how many people are on-board, as it is essential for KPA to know how many people are in Port waters to account for those numbers throughout the stages of the cyclone.
KPA recommends private boat owners prepare for the severe weather with these tips:
• Use a suitable rope (with chafe guards) or chains to secure your boat
• Double up on mooring lines and check all fittings are secure, lines are in good condition and the right size
• Secure hatches and store loose gear below decks
• Check your boat is watertight and that all bilge pumps work and self-draining holes are clear
• Deflate and store inflatable dinghies, reduce wind loading to a minimum and remove furled sails and covers, bimini tops and any clears
• Monitor VHF channels 14 and 16 and keep emergency numbers handy
• Give your contact details to authorities and leave a copy on your boat for emergency services in case your boat goes adrift
• Make sure you have adequate insurance
• Make personal protection your priority
• Follow all directions issued by the Harbour Master and don’t leave your mooring until the all clear is given
• Keep the communication flowing and report frequently to KPA.
Always watch for the cyclone warnings from the BOM and the alerts from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
The Port of Broome has around 17 hectares of land for lease.
The property is available for the development of port-related industries, such as logistics support bases and other associated businesses.
For more information about the land opportunities at the Port of Broome, contact Sean Mullhall, Commercial Manager.
Port of Derby
Port of Yampi Sound (Koolan Island)Port of
Wyndham
Port of Broome
Port of Yampi Sound (Cockatoo Island)
