BRISBANE, Queensland, Aug. 13 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Minister for Transport and Main Roads

The Honourable Brent Mickelberg

* Constructionnowunderway onadual-purpose emergency airstrip at Dunbar to strengthen emergency response capability. * The new facility will keep communities connected and support freight and emergency services during severe weather events. * Project is part of theCrisafulli Government's commitment to delivering practical resilience upgrades across the Burke Developmental Road corridor and investing in Far North Queensland after a decade of decline under Labor.

TheCrisafulli Government is getting on with the job of strengthening disaster resilience in Far North Queensland, with construction now underway on a new emergency airstrip at Dunbar on the Burke Developmental Road.

The dual-purpose facility willoperateas part of the road network during normal conditions and function as an emergencyaircraftlanding strip whenrequired, helpingmaintaincritical access during emergencies and severe weather events.

For too long, critical resilience infrastructure in regional Queensland was left in the too-hard basket under the former Labor Government while communities continued to face disruptions caused by severe weather.

The Crisafulli Governmentisinvesting in practical infrastructure that strengthens connectivity, improves emergency responsecapabilityand delivers the resilience regional communities deserve.

The project will provide safer and more reliable access for regional communities, freightoperatorsand emergency services, improving connectivity and ensuring the region is better prepared when flooding impacts transport routes.

Works include widening and strengthening the pavement, sealing the facility for all-weatheruseand creating clear zones to meetaircraftsafety requirements.

The new airstrip forms part of a broader package of flood resilience upgrades on the Burke Developmental Road following significant monsoonal flooding between December 2022 and April 2023, which caused repeated road closures, overtopping of crossings and prolonged disruption to communities and freight movements.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the start of construction was an important milestone in delivering stronger and more resilient transport infrastructure for Far North Queensland.

"The Dunbar emergency airstrip is a practical investment that will provide safer, more reliable access for regional communities when they need it most," Minister Mickelberg said.

"Whether it's supporting emergency responses, keeping freight moving or maintaining access during the wet season, this project will deliver lasting benefits for Far North Queensland.

"During Labor's decade of decline, too many regional communities were left waiting for the infrastructure needed to strengthen disaster resilience and keep communities connected.

"The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering practical projects that improve safety, support emergency services and prepare Queensland for the future."

Member for Cook David Kempton said communities across the region wouldbenefitfrom more reliable transport links and emergency services, particularly during the wet season with this excitingproject.

"Providing and maintaining landing strips in remote areas is not always possible,meaning opportunities like thisareimportant inkeeping remote communities connected when they need it most,"Mr Kempton said.

"By improving access along the Burke Developmental Road and supporting critical aviation infrastructure, the Crisafulli Government is helping ensure residents, freight operators and emergency services can continue to move safely and reliably."

TheRoyal Flying Doctor Service(Queensland Section)CEOMeredith Staibsaid reliable access infrastructure played a critical role in supporting emergency response operations across remote and flood-prone parts of theState.

"Improved access options can make a significant difference during emergencies, particularly when flooding or severe weather impacts road connections,"Ms Staib said.

"Projects like the Dunbar emergency airstrip help strengthen response capability and support communitiesand those in needduring challenging conditions."

ENDS

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