The Napier Terrace block has been earmarked as the most likely site for Broome's sobering-up facility. (ABC Kimberley: Vanessa Mills)
In short:
Despite high rates of alcohol-fuelled violence, Broome has been without a dedicated sobering-up shelter since 2021.
After extensive community consultation, the WA government is proposing to build a replacement facility on Napier Terrace, close to the centre of town.
What's next?
The Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry opposes the location, citing the potential impact on nearby businesses and tourism.
A Kimberley business group has signalled its opposition to a sobering-up centre proposed for the centre of Broome due to the potential impact it could have on tourists and trade.
The town has been without a permanent dry-out facility since 2021 when concerns over asbestos and structural issues led to the previous centre's closure.
Community leaders were "dumbfounded" by the slow search for a replacement in a region grappling with some of the highest rates of alcohol-fuelled violence in the state and hit with hardline alcohol restrictions.Â
Following a lengthy community consultation process, Roger Cook's government announced a vacant lot on Napier Terrace, on the outskirts of Broome's central hub of Chinatown, as the preferred location.
But Broome's Chamber of Commerce and Industry has lodged an objection to the site, citing the potential impact on tourists and businesses and the potential "misuse" of the facility as short-stay accommodation.
Sharni Foulkes says the proposed site is too far from other services and too close to businesses and alcohol stores. (ABC Kimberley: Jessica Hayes)
Chamber chief executive Sharni Foulkes agreed the shelter was needed, but said her members believed it should be in a different location.
"We felt that having the centre in the CBD close to … takeaway liquor outlets was not the best location for a service like this," she said.
Ms Foulkes said the proposed location was too far from "essential services such as the hospital [and] places like Centacare that people could go to for additional support".
Alcohol abuse has been recognised as a problem right across the Kimberley. (ABC Kimberley: Erin Parke)
In the submission, she outlined concerns about Chinatown and Male Oval being "high-traffic areas used for community events, sports, and tourism activities".
"A sober-up shelter in this vicinity could deter visitors and community members, affecting businesses that rely on foot traffic," Ms Foulkes's submission said.
"Broome's reputation as a vibrant tourist destination could also be compromised."
The new centre would be positioned behind Magabala Books. (ABC Kimberley: Rosanne Maloney)
Closest business in support
Indigenous-run Magabala Books, a chamber member, is the closest business to the proposed site.
Chief executive Lilly Brown said she understood why it was chosen.
"I think that accessibility is one of the most important things when we're talking about a service like this," she said.
"Yes, as a business foot traffic is important, but also it's about actually contributing back to what our broader community needs, whether they're First Nations people or non-Aboriginal people."
Ms Brown said she would ensure her staff were prepared for any impacts the service might have, including increasing first aid and emergency response training.
She noted Magabala Books had previously planned to move to a different location in 2028.
Amber-Jade Sanderson (left) says not everyone will be happy with the proposed site of the sober-up facility. (ABC Kimberley: Esse Deves)
Government defends site
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the impact on retailers and business was "always" a "challenging" part of the consultation process.
"Ultimately [the facility] needs to be based in the area where we find people and where we are able to support people who are using drugs and alcohol," she said.
"That doesn't mean that everyone's going to be happy with the outcome, but everyone has been heard and ultimately we will make the decision that's in the best interests of the whole community."
Broome's Chamber of Commerce & Industry has concerns over the shelter's potential impact on tourism. (ABC Kimberley: Rosanne Maloney)
Mental Health Commissioner Maureen Lewis said the Napier Street site had been suggested after "extensive community consultation", which preferenced proximity to the town centre.
"We continue to engage the local community and other stakeholders to ensure the site and facility design are culturally appropriate, fit-for-purpose, and appropriate for the community's needs," she said.
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