The commonwealth has approved $1.5 million for airstrip upgrades in the Durack electorate, mostly in the Kimberley.
Local member Melissa Price says the facilities include Warmun, Kundat Djaru (Ringers Soak), Halls Creek, Noonkanbah and two others.
You can read her statement here:
Media Release
$1.5 million for local airstrip upgrade
31 January 2014
Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price today welcomed the Abbott led Government’s $1.5 million investment to upgrade local Durack airstrips as part of the Regional Aviation Access Programme.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss today announced that 39 remote communities, including six in Durack, will share in almost $9 million of specific funding for regional airstrips.
Funding has been provided for the following Durack projects:
Applicant
Aerodrome
Project
Funding 2013-14 / 2014-15
Kunawarritji Aboriginal Corporation
Kunawarritji
Erect animal proof perimeter fence.
$44,956
Kundat Djaru Community Housing Aboriginal Corporation
Kundat Djaru (Ringers Soak)
Erect runway perimeter fence and improve drainage.
$550,000
Shire of Halls Creek
Halls Creek
Replace runway edge lighting and install two illuminated wind indicators.
$116,575
Shire of Upper Gascoyne
Gascoyne Junction
Reconstruct and seal the runway; reinstall runway lighting.
$400,000
Warmun Community (Turkey Creek) Inc
Warmun
Upgrade runway perimeter fence and drainage.
$254,840
Yungngora Association Inc
Noonkanbah
Replace runway perimeter fence & clear vegetation around aerodrome.
$167,500
Ms Price said these upgrades would help our community to be assured that aviation safety obligations are up to scratch and that air services, such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Australia Post, freight and other air transport services, can continue to service local needs.
“Increasingly, we depend on our airstrip for delivery of everyday goods and services, including medical care and supplies,” Ms Price said.
“A fully functioning airstrip helps to stem the disadvantage that distance can inflict on our community, so making sure it is open and serviceable at all times is a priority.
“Today the Australian Government has delivered practical, sensible improvements to make our runways safe and more efficient.
“This investment is part of the Coalition’s commitment to regional and remote communities and to improving the nation’s infrastructure.”