- Year-round
air access to Warmun now possible thanks to airstrip upgrades
- $5
million project will improve access to critical services for Warmun community
- Part of
Cook Government initiatives to support the wellbeing of Aboriginal people
Year-round air access to the community of Warmun will now be possible
thanks to a major upgrade of the remote Kimberley town's airstrip.
The recently completed $5 million project is part of the Cook Government's
investment towards Closing the Gap and supporting the wellbeing of Aboriginal
people. The project was delivered by Main Roads Kimberley Region in
collaboration with the Department of Transport.
The new sealed airstrip replaces the former gravel runway allowing safe,
year-round access for the twice-weekly WA Country Health Service clinical
visits and Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) emergency evacuations, as well as
charter flights.
The gravel runway was inoperable during the wet season, forcing RFDS
emergency flights to land at the next nearest sealed airstrip at the Argyle
Diamond Mine, which is in the process of being closed, or Halls Creek Airport,
approximately two hours' drive from Warmun.
In 2023, the Cook Government committed nearly $7 million to improved
aviation infrastructure in remote Aboriginal communities, including supporting
the Warmun airstrip upgrade.
The Government is also investing $750,000 to undertake adaptation
planning on 34 airstrips in remote communities, to ensure they are fit for
purpose in an environment of increased rainfall and flooding due to climate
change.
Comments attributed to
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Our Government recognises the important role
of aviation services and infrastructure in connecting people in regional and
remote areas to essential goods and services.
"Sealing the Warmun community airstrip was
included in our Budget commitments to build safe, strong and connected regional
communities and support the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
"With the project now complete, the community
has the peace of mind that the vital health care delivered by the WA Country Health Service and RFDS can continue
to be delivered year-round."
Comments
attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
"This important infrastructure will ensure the
Warmun community receives criticalservices on a regular basis, including important health services that
contribute to Closing the Gap.
"It also supports the empowerment,
self-determination and wellbeing of the community, which aligns with the WA
Government's Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy."
Comments attributed to
Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"The Warmun airstrip was nothing more than a
gravel road, but these upgrades have delivered a sealed runway that will ensure
year-round access to the community.
"Our Government is committed to ensuring
access to remote Aboriginal communities is not only maintained but enhanced, so
we can support them during severe weather."
