No end in sight for multi-million-dollar Cable Beach development

In short:

The foreshore redevelopment at Cable Beach in WA's Kimberley continues to remain a construction site as its opening date approaches.

Originally slated to be complete mid-to-late this year, the project's timeline and opening has blown out to next year.

What's next?

Broome locals remain frustrated but not surprised by the extended delays.

One of Australia's most-famous beachfronts continues to remain a construction site with a timeline for the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Cable Beach blowing out.

The landmark beach in Broome, 2,000 kilometres north of Perth, is a major state and national tourists drawcard with its famous camel rides and sunsets a feature of West Australian tourist campaigns.

But the long-term redevelopment of the precinct, which will see a water park, amphitheatre, new beach access and other features added, has left access to much of the area restricted since 2023.

Keen tourists and locals were promised the final stage of the project would be complete by the mid to late-2026.

But as that deadline approaches the Shire of Broome says the project's official opening will not occur until 2027.

They were unable to confirm whether construction work would be complete by the end of this year.

Restricted access frustrating

The development has drawn a mixed reception from locals, with many frustrated by the ongoing restrictions to parking and beach access.

Jemma Vincent and Giles Fresher grew up in Broome, enjoying everything Cable Beach has to offer.

Ms Vincent said she was not surprised to hear about delays to the opening.

"Sounds about right, everything takes a long time to do here," she said.

"Some of my friends just left town and said 'we'll come back when Cable Beach is done'."

Among Ms Vincent's circle of friends, being denied car access via ramp to the northern side of Cable Beach was the biggest concern.

"People didn't really care about [the construction] as long as you could get down onto the beach and have car access," she said.

"I feel like they [the shire] honestly fed us a lie."

But fellow Broome local Grant Garrett said he believed the redeveloped foreshore would be great for tourism.

"Any kind of progress for Broome is good, but I think it's come along very slowly, unfortunately," he said.

"Overall, when it's all done, it will be a great improvement for the community and tourism industry."

Impact on surrounding businesses

While supportive of the redevelopment overall, Spinifex Brewing chief executive Leanne Andrews said the road closures had reduced foot traffic and spontaneous visits to its Cable Beach venue.

"Probably the biggest thing is not knowing when it's going to finish and the prolonged staffing impacts," she said.

"I've no doubt it will be positive in the end but it would be good to know when it's actually going to finish."'

Ms Andrews said a lack of communication around progress and timelines had proven disruptive for Cable Beach businesses.

"It's still on the website as mid to late-2026. It's been one of those developments that's just kept on keeping on," she said.

"We're one community and I guess we all just want to see each other succeed."

A Shire of Broome spokesperson said it was committed to providing updates as key milestones were confirmed.

"We know there is strong community interest in the redevelopment," they said.

"The shire is working closely with the contractor and reviewing the latest project information to ensure the information we provide to the community is accurate and up to date.

"Planning is also underway for an official launch event which is expected to take place next year."