Media Release

14 February 2017: KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter is delighted that Kennedy has received over $4.6m in funding to upgrade remote airstrips in Queensland.

The Julia Creek, Normanton, Karumba, Gregory Downs and Mornington Island airports will receive over $4.6m under the Federal Government’s Remote Airstrip Upgrade Programme – in order to upgrade electrical works, extensions, build animal proof fences and repair landing strips.

“This is a wonderful achievement for all of our people who have aggressively sought money for the upgrading of our rural airports,” Mr Katter said today.

“That is attributable not to myself, but to the people that worked hard and we want to congratulate each and every one of them.

“During the wet season it is impossible to keep all of the roads operable and our airports quite literally become our only lifeline – so every effort must therefore be made to keep those airports in working order.

“Once again it amuses me that people say you can’t get anything as an Independent, yet this proves those people wrong.

“Whether they give the money out to get rid of me or because of good representation, the fact of the matter is that if you have an Independent Member of Parliament, you often get a hell of a lot more than if you don’t.

“Each blow we strike against the tyranny of distance, is therefore a strike for our freedom,” Mr Katter said.

Funded projects are below:

McKinley Shire Council - Julia Creek - Re-construction and re-seal of runway, re-line marking and remedial work to threshold lights and runway lights - $1,170,545.00

Carpentaria Shire Council – Normanton - Installation of upgraded animal proof fencing - $246,819.05

Carpentaria Shire Council – Karumba - Construction of a taxiway extension. Construction of an airport carpark - $129,321.00

Burke Shire Council - Gregory Downs - Patching the seal of the low laying areas. Bitumous seal of the runway and apron. Line-marking - $110,000.00

Mornington Shire Council - Mornington Island - Upgrade taxiway and runway lighting. Repairs to airstrip. Upgrade aerodrome to improve all weather capability and pilot resting area. Electrical and safety upgrades - $3,000,000.00

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