The McGowan Government will contribute over $1.5 million towards the renewal of the Fitzroy Crossing Airport runway and supporting facilities, to ensure the continued safe and efficient landing of aircraft.
The renewal works will address runway surface deformations and aircraft pavement cracking which have developed over time.
With an estimated total of 6,400 passengers and 4,080 aircraft movements in 2020-21, including 300 emergency Royal Flying Doctor Service evacuations, the airport plays a critical role for Fitzroy Crossing residents and surrounding communities.
In addition to Regular Public Transport services and charter flights for passengers and freight, the airport also supports emergency medical evacuations, as well as transporting patients, hospital staff and medical supplies.
Due to flooding and other incidents, the town of Fitzroy Crossing can be cut off from surrounding towns such as Derby. Year-round access to the airport is critical for essential services and supplies as well as medical evacuations.
Since 2008, 311 regional airport projects have been granted almost $52 million in State Government Regional Airport Development Scheme (RADS) funding, helping transform regional airports across Western Australia.
This funding has been allocated as part of the RADS program, where grant funding of up to 50 per cent of the total project cost is provided.
The State Government has also written to the Commonwealth Government in support of the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley's request for joint funding.
As stated by Transport and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This funding will help enable much needed upgrades to the Fitzroy Crossing Airport, which provides essential air services, not only to the residents of Fitzroy Crossing, but to those in surrounding communities.
"With over 300 emergency Royal Flying Doctor Service evacuations at the airport last year, we know that having access to safe and efficient airport infrastructure is important in the regions and can be a true lifesaver in an emergency.
"The airport is critical to ensure the ongoing economic development and social wellbeing of the Kimberley region so the renewal of the runway will ensure the facility can continue to provide safe and effective air services to Fitzroy Crossing into the future."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"Fitzroy Crossing Airport is critical to local residents and these upgrades will support greater access for those essential services and supplies as well as medical evacuations when they are needed.
"It is important that we prioritise essential infrastructure upgrades like these to support Kimberley residents."
