Burketown Airport officially opens after major upgrade

• Burketown Airport has officially reopened following a $24 million investment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments for reconstruction and resilience improvements.
• Upgrades in response to the flood disaster of 2023 include a rebuilt and raised main runway to improve its resilience to future flooding.
• Rex Airlines are expected to resume commercial services at the airport from next week.

Burketown Airport has officially reopened following $24.4 million upgrade, largely funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.

The repairs have addressed significant damage caused during the 2022-23 disaster season, restoring a critical transport link for the remote Gulf community.

Burke Shire is regularly impacted by monsoonal flooding. With all roads in and out of Burketown cut off for months at a time during the wet season, an operational airfield is essential to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community.

Central to this reconstruction project is an upgraded airstrip designed to increase access and reliability in all conditions.

New runway pavement includes triple blend stabilisation using lime, cement and fly ash, and the runway has been raised 400mm, placing it above both the 2023 flood level and the site’s historical maximum flood level.

Upgrades to airfield lighting, drainage and service roads have also been completed.

Delivered by Burke Shire Council in partnership with Durack Civil and Northlane Consulting Engineers, the project has been jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with additional investment from council.

Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and Savannah Aviation charter began using sections of the new runway in September, with Rex Airlines set to commence commercial flights at the airport from Monday 16 November.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said reopening Burketown Airport is a significant milestone for this remote community and another important step in its long-term recovery from the devastating summer of 2022 and 2023.

“Resilient airports are crucial for places like Burke Shire, and the upgrades delivered here will make a significant positive impact for many years to come,” Minister McBain said.

“The Albanese Government will continue to work closely with all levels of government to support Queensland communities to recover and build back better after disaster strikes.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said improving the flood immunity of Burketown Airport is more than simply repairing flood damage, it’s about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of this community and region.

“This project highlights the transformative impact that Betterment resilience investment has, particularly in regional and remote areas, and the long-term value in not just building back but building back better,” Minister Leahy said.

“Every Queenslander, no matter where they live, can have confidence that our government is working hard to strengthen their community’s recovery after disaster strikes.”

Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said these essential upgrades mean so much to the Burketown community, ensuring emergency and medical services, transport, and supplies can access the remote Gulf township again.

“As a government, we’re prioritising upgrades to airstrips in remote and regional Australia, with over 500 projects now funded through the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.

“It’s fantastic to see the upgrades at Burketown have enabled RFDS and Savannah Aviation charter flights to resume, with commercial flights through Rex also running again soon.”

Federal Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Senator for Queensland Nita Green congratulated the Council and the Burke Shire community on this important milestone.

“Airstrips are the lifeblood of regional and remote Australia communities, so it is excellent to see Burketown’s airstrip built back stronger and we look forward to it serving the region for years to come.

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to invest in priority infrastructure in Northern Australia that makes a real difference to people’s lives.”

Burke Shire Council Mayor Ernie Camp said after the challenges we’ve faced as a result of the 2023 floods, including increased health and safety risks, it’s fantastic to see this important piece of infrastructure upgraded, raised, and back in action.

“Our airport provides vital access for the community, our emergency and medical services like the RFDS, regular public transport, and supply and industry, particularly during the wet season when roads in the region are cut,” Mayor Camp said.

“A more resilient airport brings peace of mind and gives us greater confidence in the face of severe weather, and I thank the Australian and Queensland Governments for their ongoing support of the Gulf.”

Durack Civil Director James Durack said projects like this are exactly why we do what we do, and in remote communities like Burketown an airport isn't just infrastructure it's a lifeline.

“Rebuilding a runway in one of Australia's most remote and challenging environments takes an enormous amount of planning, innovation and commitment from everyone involved,” Mr Durack said.

“We're incredibly proud of our team and our partnership with Burke Shire Council. To deliver something that will serve this community for generations, and stand up better to future floods, is something pretty special.”

ENDS

Media contacts:
Minister McBain: David Jean, 0467 559 492
Minister Leahy: Kyah Devine, 0428 217 040