Fitzroy Crossing Airport receive $1.5m State Government Budget boost amid Shire’s call for help

Fitzroy Crossing Airport will benefit from a $1.5m cash injection for a renewal of the runway and supporting facilities, announced as part of the upcoming State Budget.

The renewal works will address runway surface deformations and aircraft pavement cracking which have developed over time.

With an estimated total of 6400 passengers and 4080 aircraft movements in 2020-21, including 300 emergency Royal Flying Doctor Service evacuations, the airport plays a critical role for Fitzroy Crossing residents and surrounding communities.

The announcement comes after the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley in December last year wrote to the State Government seeking to hand responsibility for the airport — which was costing about $420,000 a year — to the State.

At the time, Shire president Geoff Haerewa said the move was necessary for the financial sustainability of the local government.

“It basically comes down to the fact this airport is costing the Shire a lot of money to run, when we barely get any revenue from the facility or the town,” he said.

“About 33 per cent of properties in Fitzroy Crossing have exemptions from paying local government rates — this includes government, Aboriginal and charitable institutes which own property in the area.”

The Shire operates three airports — Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Curtin RAAF base — at a combined cost of $2.7m per annum, or almost 30 per cent of the Shire’s rates revenue.

Mr Haerewa said he was pleased to see the State Government provide the funding, and hoped the Federal Government would also come to the table.

“The State Government has also written to the Federal Government on our behalf, seeking they match the funding. We haven’t heard back yet, but we’re hopeful,” he said.

“This funding will definitely help with costs, but we would also still like some form of ongoing commitment to help with maintenance costs at Fitzroy Airport.”

Due to flooding and other incidents, the town of Fitzroy Crossing can be cut off from surrounding towns such as Derby.

Year-round access to the airport is critical for essential services and supplies as well as medical evacuations.