Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development today officially opened the $2.2 million upgrade of Karumba Airport in the Gulf region of Queensland.

The Rudd Labor Government provided more than $733,000 to the Carpentaria Shire Council for construction works through the Remote Aerodrome Safety Program.

The project strengthened and sealed the existing 1,271-metre gravel runway and sealing of the taxiway and set down area. New airstrip lighting has also been installed to assist with take-off and landings.

Mr Albanese congratulated the Carpentaria Shire Council and the Karumba community on completing this vital upgrade.

“This airport is a lifeline for Karumba and for communities across the Gulf. Only a year ago, the town was cut off for 10 weeks due of severe flooding.

“There should be no doubt about the importance of this project in improving access during the wet season and making sure that the Royal Flying Doctor Service, other emergency services and essential supplies can get in and out.

“Importantly, the Karumba Airport upgrade also supported more than a dozen local jobs during construction, delivering a boost to the local economy.

“The local economy will continue to benefit from this upgrade through more reliable access for mining centres, as well as growth in chartered planes bringing in tourists.

“Across Australia, the Rudd Government’s Remote Aerodrome Safety Program has delivered much-needed funding for safety and access upgrades at 116 aerodromes and airstrips.

“Today, I am also making another $7 million available to communities for airstrip upgrades across Australia through the next and final round of the Program.

“We are determined to improve the safety and accessibility of airstrips in remote and isolated parts of Australia,” Mr Albanese concluded

The council and the Queensland Government provided the remaining funding for the Karumba project.