Concern over ship

There is strong concern in the Kimberley about the future of shipping that delivers vital freight to the area.

Local Member Carol Martin told the Kimberley Echo on Monday that the region needed the service.

"There are periods when it is the only lifeline to the Kimberley, when the roads are blocked during the wet season," she said.

"And this happens every year."

The State Government was due to award a tender in August, but it has yet to announce whether a successful tenderer will take over the shipping service when the current contract ends in December.

Labor promised in the 2001 election campaign to duplicate the shipping service and Mrs Martin admits this is a promise it has yet to keep.

Wyndham Port manager Steve Forrest told ABC Radio that the demise of the north-west shipping service would mean the end of an important source of regional revenue.

The delay in awarding a contract has caused unease in the business community.

The service operates between Darwin and Fremantle, stopping off at Dampier, Broome and Wyndham.