East Kimberley miners take flight with Kununurra runway upgrade - Australian Mining
The completion of the East Kimberley Regional Airport runway extension in Kununurra is set to strengthen regional connectivity, with the Western Australian (WA) Government highlighting increased freight. . .
The completion of the East Kimberley Regional Airport runway extension in Kununurra is set to strengthen regional connectivity, with the Western Australian (WA) Government highlighting increased freight capability and stronger support for industries such as mining. The $19. 1 million project was delivered through a partnership between the Federal Government, the WA Government and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, with federal contribution at $15. 1 million, a state government contribution of $2. 5 million and $1. 5 million from the Wyndham shire. The extended runway will enable larger aircraft to operate at full capacity, increasing passenger numbers and freight capability while improving aviation access to one of WA’s most remote regions. For the mining sector, the upgrade adds a further logistics option in a region that hosts several resource projects and prospective mineral provinces, includingNorthern Minerals’ Browns Rangeheavy rare earths project, located about 160km south-east of Halls Creek in the East Kimberley. The Browns Range project is centred on dysprosium and terbium, critical heavy rare earth elements used in high-performance permanent magnets. The region also includes the Savannah nickel-copper-cobalt mine, located in the East Kimberley south of Kununurra, as well as the Halls Creek gold district, where projects such asKimberley Minerals Group’s Halls Creekproject continue to highlight the area’s long-running gold potential. WA Transport Minister Rita Saffiotisaidthe airport played an important role in supporting the region’s communities and industries. “The East Kimberley Regional Airport is a gateway to the region, while also providing a critical supply chain link for local communities and industry,” she said. “By future-proofing this important transport hub, we’re unlocking new tourism and economic opportunities for the East Kimberley region and the people who call it home. “These upgrades will deliver more seat availability on flights which will help improve airfare affordability in the long-term and support opportunities for new routes into the future – including potential direct flights from the east coast. ”The project was delivered in consultation with the Mirima Council Aboriginal Corporation and has been given the Miriwoong name Goonoonoorram dawang malb-malbgajinga-woorr, which translates as “place for aircraft (things good at flying) in Kununurra and all surrounding areas”. WA Regional Development and Kimberley Minister Stephen Dawson said the upgrade would help support the East Kimberley’s long-term economic growth. “The East Kimberley is one of WA’s most remote regions, but it has enormous economic potential,” he said. “These upgrades will help unlock that potential by supporting increased passenger numbers and freight capacity. The WA Government said the longer runway will help support new routes to the East Kimberley, adding freight capacity for local mining and agricultural industries. Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley chief executive officer Vernon Lawrence said the project would deliver long-term benefits for the community and local industries. “I’m proud to see construction complete and look forward to this project delivering lasting benefits for our community and local industries,” he said. The runway extension will become fully operational once final regulatory approvals are complete. Subscribe toAustralian Miningand receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.