Upgrades to airstrip in WA's northernmost community completed as wet season looms

Jarred Cross Published October 9, 2026 at 4.35pm (AWST)

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Kalumburu, in WA's Kimberley, relies on its airstrip for critical services. More than 87,000 square metres has been resurfaced in an upgrade. Image: WA Government

Close to nine hectares of air strip space has been resurfaced with the aim to provide more reliable services and deliveries for Western Australia's northernmost Aboriginal community.

Upgrades to Kalumburu airstrip have been completed, having begun in August.

Located in the remote East Kimberley, over 500 kilometres to the nearest regional centre in Kununurra via limited road services, the airstrip is an essential piece of infrastructure for the community.

Regular flights to Kununurra, alongside much of the food and essential resources coming to Kalumburu, rely on the airstrip.

It's particularly essential during wet seasons and periods of flooding, for emergency response and recovery efforts.

*Kalumburu (red pin) is the northernmost permanent community in WA. Image: Google Maps*

More than 87,000 square metres were resurfaced at the airstrip, including the runway, taxiway and apron.

Drainage upgrades were also made.

"For many remote communities, air access is a necessity, supporting healthcare, education, emergency services, freight and community connectivity," Kimberley MP and Yawuru and Nimanburr woman, Divina D'Anna, said.

"Investing in regional airstrips is about ensuring people living in the Kimberley have access to important services and opportunities."

$1.18 million in state government funding was committed to the upgrades.

It's the third airstrip upgraded under the Aboriginal Community Airstrip Renewal Program (ACARP).

Works were completed in Bidyadanga in 2024 and in Balgo earlier in 2025.

$8 million was committed to ACARP within $67.5 million invested by the state government through the Kimberley Resilience Program.

"Our government understands the challenge and importance of aviation infrastructure in remote areas and these projects demonstrate our commitment to ensuring communities have the connectivity they need," said federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm.

*Works being done at Kalumburu airstrip. Image: WA Government*

WA Minister for Transport and Major Infrastructure Rita Saffioti said the Aboriginal Community Airstrip Renewal Program "is ensuring some of our State's most isolated communities remain connected to vital services".

"The Kalumburu airstrip upgrade forms part of our broader investment in Kimberley aviation, including subsidised air services, capped airfares and strategic infrastructure improvements that support connectivity for remote communities across the region," she said.

The essential role of regional and remote aviation to communities, alongside economic growth, is well understood by the state government, Minister for WA Regional Development and Kimberley Stephen Dawson said.

Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation was consulted on the works at Kalumburu airstip, the government's joint media statement said, with Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation and local community also involved.

Works also offered local employment and training opportunities.