Australian Border Force rejects claims resource pressures are putting pause on Geraldton’s cruise industry

The Geraldton community is grappling with uncertainty in the local cruise industry after 12 ships cancelled their visits, with no bookings planned for 2025 and 2026. Cruise ship itinerary changes, withdrawals from Australia, and difficulties securing Australian Border Force approvals for international arrivals are to blame. Four cruise ships are scheduled to dock at the Port of Geraldton in 2024. There are no planned visits thereafter until 2027. Mid West Ports Authority CEO Damian Tully confirmed 12 ships had cancelled visits scheduled for 2025-26. He said the ABF was unable to facilitate First Point of Entry applications because of “resourcing pressures”. “Mid West Ports was advised a number of ships were cancelled due to ABF resourcing requirements by cruise ship representatives,” he said. “Mid West Ports is committed to the cruise tourism industry and is working with the State Government to address its current impacts.” An ABF spokesperson rejected those claims, saying FPOE applications were dismissed because the port did not have the facilities to process international passengers and crew safely. “The Port of Geraldton does not have passenger terminal facilities for border agencies and the port can experience very high winds, making a cruise vessel entry into Geraldton difficult,” the spokesperson said. “Cruise ships are advised the dedicated passenger terminal at the Port of Fremantle is a more seamless and enjoyable disembarkation experience (for) passengers, while providing ABF officers the resources to quickly, safely and accurately process international arrivals.” Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said she understood the State Government’s cuts to ABF funding was contributing to the decline in ship visits. “I am dismayed for our local economy, which is given a welcomed boost whenever a cruise ship docks here in Geraldton,” Ms Price said. Previously, ABF has accommodated onboard immigration clearances, where officers are flown internationally to board the ship and clear passengers while en route to Geraldton. Former city mayor and tour guide Shane Van Styn said the ABF was not providing onboard clearances because “there’s not enough border force resources to spare”. “The fact they won’t send crew now out to ships out to Bali or even Singapore and then ride down is disappointing — very disappointing,” he said. An ABF spokesperson said requests for onboard immigration clearances were considered in special circumstances, but it was a drawn-out process that affected the passenger experience during the cruise. “When considering these requests, a number of factors need to be taken into account,” they said. “This includes considering the benefit of providing such a service against the diversion of valuable resources to overseas destinations, away from our on-shore border commitments and allowing for officers to spend time travelling a considerable distance. “Other factors such as the number of passengers requiring clearance are also considered.” Mr Van Styn estimated one ship could contribute $100,000-$300,000 to the local economy, and the cancellations would hurt local businesses, including restaurants, market stall operators, tour guides and volunteers. Kalbarri Adventure Tours owner-operator David Waite offers cruisers full-day tours to Kalbarri, and said the reduction would have a devastating impact on his business. “If you think of 2000 people coming to shore and they all spend $10 . . . it’s going to impact the whole town financially,” he said. “It doesn’t look like any ships are booked for Geraldton until 2027, which means cruising will be put on hold and I would need to move away from doing the cruising for a while.” Stakeholders met at the MWPA on Friday August 16 to discuss the future of cruise ship visits to Geraldton. Euphorium’s Julian Canny said stakeholders would ensure Geraldton remained a welcoming and vibrant place for visitors even in challenging times. “This is what Geraldton does best. We come together, we talk openly, and we find a way forward. Our community spirit is what makes us more than just a destination,” he said. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said both Carnival and Viking Cruise Lines were withdrawing from Australia, which had also contributed to the cancellations. He said he was disappointed by the decline in visits and encouraged the community to make an effort to welcome the remaining ships. “Since COVID-19, our community has welcomed the return of cruise ships with open arms and in collaboration with Mid West Ports Authority we have been able to deliver a shoreside experience that is second to none,” he said. “The city will continue to promote Geraldton as a premier destination for cruise ships by petitioning both State and Federal governments so that our community can experience the benefits and excitement of hosting cruise ship passengers in the future.” Lara Dalton MLA said the State Government was supporting the local cruise sector and the relevant ministers were in discussions. “In recognition of the important role cruise tourism plays for WA, we injected $1m at the recent state Budget to boost our State’s cruise tourism program to help deliver our WA Cruise Tourism Strategic Plan 2023-33,” she said. “I am aware that the Minister for Ports David Michael is advocating for FPOE status in Broome and will be in Canberra next month, where he will meet with the relevant ministers again, to raise our concerns. “The deputy premier (Minister for Tourism) is also working with Minister Michael on these matters.” The Coral Princess will visit twice in September before retiring, while Queen Elizabeth and Westerdam will make an inaugural visit on November and December.