Media Statement - 16th November 2007
A Rudd Labor government will invest $2.82 million to upgrade remote airstrips in the Northern Territory, with a particular focus on improving access for the ambulances of the air, the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Shadow Minister for Transport, Roads and Tourism, Martin Ferguson, announced the $2.82 million package in Alice Springs today with Labor Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon. It includes:
- $1.4 million to upgrade the airstrip from gravel to bitumen and install lighting at Minjilang (Croker Island),
- $800 000 to level and seal the Robertson River airstrip, and improve drainage,
- $180 000 to ensure the gravel strip at Nyirrpi is upgraded to the required standard
- $65 000 to improve the existing gravel strip at Ti Tree, and
- $375 000 to install lighting at airstrips such as at Apatula, Palumpa, Peppimenarti and Milyakburra to enable or ensure the Royal Flying Doctors Service can land at night.
Mr Ferguson said improving airstrips would make a real difference for people living in some of the most remote places in Australia.
“This is a vast country and airstrips provide a lifeline for remote communities – literally.
“Without a decent airstrip, rural and remote communities are isolated from lifesaving services during medical emergencies. And when it floods and roads are cut, if you can’t land a plane you can’t get groceries,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Labor understands an airstrip is essential to everyday life in outback Australia.”
Labor Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, welcomed the commitment, saying it would be a big boost for air services in the Northern Territory.
“$2.82 million worth of upgrades is critical, and I’m proud to be part of a Labor team that will deliver this sort of essential infrastructure.
“$1.4 million for Minjilang (Croker Island) is not just about everyday access for aircraft, it’s also about ensuring the community can be evacuated in a cyclone emergency.
“If the airstrip isn’t resealed and lighting improved, this community could be stranded. That’s not good enough and that’s why today’s announcement is so important.”
Mr Ferguson said too many airstrips also lacked the basics such as lighting.
“Without lights, some communities have to use flares in a medical emergency to help the Flying Doctors land their plane.
“Some emergency cases have to be transported by a makeshift ambulance, an old troopcarrier, for between two and four hours to get to a strip with lights.
“People who are sick and injured shouldn’t have to go through this.
“That’s why Labor’s putting $375 000 on the table to get on with the job of installing lighting at airstrips that are currently left in the dark.
Labor’s funding will be available from July1, 2008 under the Remote Aerodrome Safety Programme.
Mr Ferguson said Labor was serious about investing in Australia’s future.
“$2.82 million for remote airstrips is the sort of infrastructure outback Australia needs – and Labor will deliver it.”