Kim Holm, Chief Executive Officer of Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation (KAC), welcomed the improvements and the opportunity for locals to get involved.
“For Kalumburu, the airstrip is more than a runway. It is the community's lifeline.
“The upgrade was needed to ensure people can access health care, emergency services, education, family connections and essential supplies safely and reliably throughout the year, particularly when road access is restricted during the wet season.
“This project hasn’t just delivered important upgrades, it’s allowed us to work with Job Pathways to arrange construction training for local community members, helping build practical skills and work readiness that could be applied to paid employment and hands-on experience in civil works, road maintenance and infrastructure projects.
"Ten local community members had the opportunity to gain employment throughout the project.” Kim said.
Delivered by Main Roads WA, the project included repairing and resealing the runway, taxiway and apron, with more than 87,000 square metres resurfaced. Drainage improvements were also completed to help maintain safety and operational standards.
Other project partners included the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, the Kalumburu Mission and the Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation.
