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Kalumburu, considered the most remote permanent settlement in Western Australia, has received an upgrade to its airstrip under a jointly funded state and federal program.
The $2.28 million project resulted in the runway, taxiway and apron being repaired and resealed at Kalumburu, with more than 87,000 square metres resurfaced, as well as drainage improvements.
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The Kalumburu airstrip services one of the country’s most remote permanent communities in northern Western Australia (WA), providing vital access to emergency services, such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and regular passenger flights to Kununurra, subsidised by the Australian government.
The town’s single road can flood for months at a time during the wet season, requiring constant access to air support. The airstrip also played a critical role in emergency response and recovery efforts during the record 2023 Kimberley floods caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
In a joint release, federal assistant minister for regional development, Senator Anthony Chisholm, and WA Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti said the works were completed 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, the release said.
“I’m pleased to see another collaborative effort between the Albanese and Cook Labor governments deliver more safe, reliable aviation infrastructure for the Kimberley,” Senator Chisholm said.
“This builds on other jointly funded aviation projects across the Kimberley, including more than $15 million to the Goonoonoorram Project (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.”
Meanwhile Minister Saffioti said the program prioritises that “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,” she said.
“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.”
The Kalumburu upgrades were funded jointly, in near-equal amounts, under the WA state government’s Aboriginal Community Airstrip Renewal Program (ACARP) and the federal government’s Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.
Kalumburu marks the third airstrip to be upgraded through WA’s ACARP, following completed works at Bidyadanga in 2024 and Balgo earlier this year.
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