Aurukun’s airport has received more than $950,000 in Queensland Government funding for an airstrip pavement investigation and surfacing upgrade. Photo: Supplied.
Eight Cape York and Torres Strait projects aimed at improving key road, air and sea access routes have been flagged as priorities by the Queensland Government.
The government made the announcement on 27 May to coincide with Reconciliation Week, with the identified projects set to bolster connectivity for remote communities in the region, especially during the wet season.
The Aurukun airport will get $954,660 to undertake airstrip pavement investigations and a surfacing upgrade, with the Plain Creek Crossing on the Dunbar-Kowanyama Road set to receive $1.25 million for floodway upgrades, and $1.232m allocated for stage two causeway upgrades on the Portland Roads Road at the Wenlock River.
Pavement and drainage upgrades for the Walkers Hill section of the Bloomfield Road will get $1.2m, with $2.21m earmarked for remedial works on the Dauan Island barge ramp.
In the Northern Peninsula Area, Ferry Road will receive a much-needed $1.5m sealing upgrade, while the region’s airport has been allocated almost $1.5m for a runway upgrade.
A concrete floodway will be installed on Strathgordon Road (the Pormpuraaw access road) after $361,408 was green lit for the project.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the funding played a vital role to ensure some of the state’s remotest communities stayed open.
“This funding helps keep critical routes open and communities supported,” he said.
“People living in remote communities shouldn’t face isolation because of a lack of reliable transport, and this funding will help empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils to deliver improved transport options for their communities.”
