Lawrence Costa, Member for Arafura, has today officially opened the Wurrumiyanga Airstrip on Bathurst Island.
The $9 million project which is jointly funded by both the Australian and Northern Territory Governments was awarded to Fulton Hogan in June 2018 for resurfacing works.
The works will improve accessibility to the Tiwi Islands, as the Wurrumiyanga Airstrip is the largest airstrip on Bathurst Island, which services approximately a population of 2000 people and these improvements will create many more opportunities for locals into the future.
The project has supported over 85 jobs, five of which were local Tiwi employees and has engaged local Aboriginal business Tiwi Enterprises as a subcontractor.
As stated by Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler
Our number one priority as a Government is jobs for Territorians, this work will help make Bathurst Island more accessible, opening up further opportunities in Tourism and Industry.
More people means more money, more jobs and better services for Territorians.
As stated by Assistant Minister for Remote Health Delivery and Homelands and Local Member for Arafura, Lawrence Costa
The Northern Territory Government has worked closely with the Traditional Owners and the Tiwi Land Council to deliver this important project for the community.
Projects like this deliver better services for locals and visitors, and will create more opportunities for Tiwi Islanders, now and into the future.
As stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack
As a regional Member of Parliament, I understand connectivity is important for every community but none more so than remote towns and smaller communities across Australia which rely on good transport links to survive and thrive.
Funded under the Governments Remote Airstrip Upgrade Programme, the upgrades at the Wurrumiyanga airstrip will ensure continued access to essential, potentially lifesaving, health care as well as fresh food, mail services and access to employment and education opportunities.
As stated by Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Senator for the Northern Territory Nigel Scullion
The Australian Governments investments in remote airstrips ensure the safety, quality and reliability of our regional air services to meet peoples needs and provide access to vital services.
Extending the length of the Wurrumiyanga runway to 1600 metres will help ensure that this airstrip can meet the needs of people on Bathurst Island for years to come.
I am delighted that the Australian Government was able to support this important project, which would not have been possible without the funding we delivered.
