Government considers broadened freight subsidy to get workers into East Kimberley

Flood damage has frustrated efforts to attract much-needed labour to an outback region before its tourism season as the WA government considers further broadening a freight subsidy.

Workers from Perth and southern Western Australia usually move to the East Kimberley to fill much-needed roles ahead of the region's dry season rush, which runs from May to September.

Bu those people cannot freight their goods along the normal route into the East Kimberley while the Great Northern Highway remains cut at Fitzroy Crossing.

Extensive damage to a crucial bridge means anyone moving from Perth to Kununurra must pay about double the normal freight cost, because the only way trucks can enter the East Kimberley hub is through South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Read More: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-29/freight-subsidy-boost-east-kimberley-worker-shortage/102155662