Strengthening Balgo’s lifeline

Courtney King from DTMI’s ACARP team, said engaging with the community was key to the project’s success.

“Early in the project, we visited the Balgo and Mulan communities to host information sessions, giving us the opportunity to meet with residents, talk through the planned works and explain how the nearby Mulan airstrip would be used for all flights while the Balgo airstrip was temporarily closed for upgrades.

“We later returned to both communities and walked through the project sites with members of the Tjurabalan Native Title Lands Aboriginal Corporation, directors of the Wirrimanu Aboriginal Corporation and residents from both Balgo and Mulan.

“These visits helped ensure the works would not impact any culturally significant sites.”

Courtney also acknowledged Main Roads Western Australia and the Shire of Halls Creek that undertook maintenance works to Lake Gregory Road to safely support vehicles travelling to and from Mulan airstrip for flights, while the Balgo works were underway.

Contactors Black Cat Civil were also important partners on the project and provided opportunities for residents of Balgo and neighbouring communities to train in a variety of construction roles, with one person receiving three different construction qualifications from his work on the project.

Wirrimanu Aboriginal Corporation CEO Mick Hickey said the upgrade was a lifeline for the community and praised DTMI’s approach throughout the project.

“Before these works, the airstrip was pretty rough and would hold water after rain which made it unsafe for planes.

“The dirt roads here get flooded in the wet season so flying can be the only way in and out. If the airstrip has to close, we’re cut off from everything from mail to medical care.

“It’s why our community was right behind this project. The airstrip is important and to know it’s now more reliable is a great feeling.

“The team was awesome. Their communication was fantastic. They kept everyone in the loop and I can’t say enough good things about them.”