New era takes off at Burketown Airport following resilient upgrade
Burketown Airport is back in action, with $24.4 million in reconstruction and resilience works restoring this critical transport link for the remote Gulf community.
To mark the official reopening a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on site today, attended by Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy, Burke Shire Mayor Ernie Camp, Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Jake Ellwood, and Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith.
Burketown’s airport and aerodrome precinct have undergone extensive repairs and improvements after being badly damaged by flooding during the 2022-23 disaster season.
Works have been funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with additional investment from Burke Shire Council.
The airport's main runway has been raised 400 millimetres to improve future flood immunity, which places it above both the 2023 flood level and the site’s historical maximum flood level.
New pavement on the 1.4-kilometre runway uses a triple blend of lime, cement and fly ash for added strength.
Other improvements to the airstrip infrastructure include pavement reconstruction, sealing, linemarking, and the installation of new airfield lighting and drainage.
Additional works to support aerodrome resilience and activity include remediation of the Albert River embankment, and improvements to the roads servicing the facility like Airport Road and Wills Development Road.
Burke Shire Council partnered with Durack Civil and Northlane Consulting Engineers to deliver the project.
During construction a temporary runway was used at the airport, and commercial flights operated through Doomadgee Airport, with passenger transfers coordinated by council.
Seasonal weather, ongoing flood risks and logistical challenges due to Burketown’s remote location made flexible programming and contingency planning a necessity, while ongoing engagement with Traditional Owners and local stakeholders ensured appropriate environmental and cultural guidance.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service and Savannah Aviation charter flights began using sections of the new runway in September, and Rex Airlines will resume commercial services from Monday 16 November.
Resilience improvements at Burketown Airport were backed by the DRFA Betterment Fund, which rebuilds damaged public infrastructure to a stronger standard.
The end result will see safer and more reliable all-weather access to Burke Shire and surrounding Gulf Country for residents, emergency services, supply, and industry.