An upgrade to the Kalumburu airstrip is the latest to be completed to support safe and reliable aviation access for remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia's Kimberley region.
The Kalumburu community depends on its airstrip for essential connectivity, including regular flights to Kununurra subsidised by the Australian Government and access for emergency services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
The runway, taxiway and apron were repaired and resealed with more than 87,000 square metres resurfaced.
Drainage improvements were carried out to maintain safety and operational standards.
Works were delivered following consultation with the Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation and in close collaboration with the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation and local community.
The project also created employment and training opportunities for local residents during construction.
As Western Australia's northernmost permanent community, Kalumburu relies heavily on air access, particularly during the wet season when its only road connection can be cut by flooding for months.
The airstrip played a critical role in emergency response and recovery efforts during the record 2023 Kimberley floods caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
The Cook Labor Government contributed $1.18 million to the upgrades through the Aboriginal Community Airstrip Renewal Program (ACARP) and the Albanese Labor Government contributed nearly $1.1 million through the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.
Kalumburu is the third airstrip upgraded through ACARP, following completed works at Bidyadanga in 2024 and Balgo earlier this year.
Following the floods, the Cook Labor Government invested $67.5 million through the Kimberley Resilience Program, including $8 million for ACARP, to strengthen infrastructure and preparedness across the region.
As stated by Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm:
"I'm pleased to see another collaborative effort between the Albanese and Cook Labor governments deliver more safe, reliable aviation infrastructure for the Kimberley.
"This builds on other jointly funded aviation projects across the Kimberley, including more than $15 million to the Kununurra Airport Runway Extension and $3 million towards major upgrades to the Balgo airstrip.
"Our government understands the challenge and importance of aviation infrastructure in remote areas and these projects demonstrate our commitment to ensuring communities have the connectivity they need."
Quotes As put by WA Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Through the Aboriginal Community Airstrip Renewal Program, the Cook Labor Government is ensuring some of our State's most isolated communities remain connected to vital services.
"By taking a proactive approach to identifying maintenance and upgrade needs, we are providing communities with the confidence and security of ongoing, reliable air access.
"The Kalumburu airstrip upgrade forms part of our broader investment in Kimberley aviation, including subsidised air services, capped airfares and strategic infrastructure improvements that support connectivity for remote communities across the region."
As stated by WA Regional Development and Kimberley Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook and Albanese Labor Governments understand that regional and remote aviation infrastructure plays an essential role in keeping communities connected and supporting economic growth across the Kimberley.
"It's fantastic to see this investment not only improve infrastructure but also deliver training opportunities and local jobs that will benefit the region in the future."
Quotes As put by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"For many remote communities, air access is a necessity, supporting healthcare, education, emergency services, freight and community connectivity.
"Investing in regional airstrips is about ensuring people living in the Kimberley have access to important services and opportunities."
