A division of the Liberal Party of Australia
AIRSTRIP FIGHT PAYS OFF FOR KARUMBA LOCALS
17 February, 2010
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Years of campaigning by the Carpentaria Shire Council, the Karumba Progress Association and Northern Gulf residents to have the Karumba airstrip upgraded has finally paid off with the opening of the new all weather facility today.
The Opposition Spokesman for Northern Australia, Senator Ian Macdonald spoke at this afternoons opening and said that the new all weather facility would provide great immediate benefits for the local community and allow for new business opportunities in the region to be explored.
“The new all weather run-way in Karumba is a vital piece of local infrastructure for people in the Gulf,” said Senator Macdonald.
“Previously when the wet season arrived at the Karumba community finds itself cut off it has been impossible to fly in substantial supplies using fixed wing aircraft. It also meant that the Royal Flying Doctor has been unable to use the strip during the wet.
“The opening of this all weather facility will mean that for the remainder of this wet season and for wet seasons in years to come, Karumba residents won’t be as isolated as they have been in the past.
“The other exciting prospect that comes with the opening of the new runway is the new tourist markets that can be targeted.
“The old strip was unable to cater for large commercial aircraft flying in from Cairns or Darwin, and tourists wanting to experience some of the best wild barra fishing in the world would have to travel to spend days driving to the region.
“Tourists who were previously restricted from visiting the Gulf, due to the long drive to and from can now fly into the region. This new tourist market presents as a wonderful opportunity for small businesses based in and servicing the Gulf.
“Again I congratulate the hard work and determination of all those who have lobbied governments for this facility over the years and I am excited to see this piece of vital infrastructure finally opened,” Senator Macdonald said.
END
17 February 2010
Media contacts: Gordon Terry (07) 4771 3066 or 0427 960 255