Published on Wednesday, 31 July 2024 at 7:59:34 AM
Delay in Stage 2 of East Kimberley Regional Airport Upgrades
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley would like to advise that the commencement of Stage 2 of the East Kimberley Regional Airport (EKRA) upgrades will be delayed. This postponement is due to several factors, including the extended timeframe required to finalise the agreement with the Growing Regional Program, resulting in the necessity for contractors to demobilise. Additionally, the upcoming Wet Season will adversely affect the project, shifting the construction to the start of the dry season next year.
Despite this temporary setback, we remain deeply grateful for the substantial funding secured for this vital project. The total cost for Stage 2 of the EKRA upgrades is estimated at $17.5 million, with the Federal Government contributing $13.5 million, the State Government providing $2.5 million, and the remaining $1.5 million funded by the Shire from the Airport Reserve.
Shire President David Menzel expressed his appreciation for the support from both the Federal and State Governments, emphasising the project's importance for regional growth.
"We are extremely grateful for the generous contributions from both the Federal and State Governments. This investment will significantly enhance our airport’s infrastructure, unlocking tremendous economic opportunities for our region," Cr Menzel stated.
Stage 2 of the EKRA upgrades involves the extension of the runway and the development of associated infrastructure, aimed at improving connectivity, supporting local businesses, and attracting new investments. The runway extension is expected to allow operations of 737 and A320 type at higher take-off weight, facilitating flights to all points in Australia, and making air travel more affordable for residents and visitors alike.
"We are committed to seeing this project through to completion and appreciate the community's patience as we navigate these delays. The eventual commencement of construction next dry season will mark a significant milestone in our region's infrastructure development, benefiting both passengers and freight operations," Cr Menzel added.
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley looks forward to breaking ground on this strategic initiative aimed at boosting regional development and enhancing the overall accessibility of the East Kimberley region. We extend our gratitude to our Shire Officers for their hard work on this application and to the community for their continued support.
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