New Iama Airstrip opened

Monday, 11 September 2006 05:26

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Aviation safety in the Torres Strait has been boosted with Iama (Yam) Island officially opening its bitumen sealed airstrip on Monday, August 28, the final Island community to benefit with an upgraded airstrip under the region’s Marine and Airstrip Program.

The $2 million airstrip was jointly funded by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and the Queensland Department of Transport, with works completed by the Queensland Department of Main Roads.

The air strip was opened by the Member for Cook, Jason O’Brien, on behalf of the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mr Paul Lucas.

At the official opening, Mr O’Brien said the upgrade of Yam Island was the last stage in the $2 million upgrade of airstrips in Torres Strait.  “We’ve completed one a year for the past 10 years, so Yam Island can rightly take its place as the last airstrip upgrade.

“Many communities take it for granted that we can catch a bus, a train or a ferry to get to where we want to go.  But for people in Torres Strait, air travel is a vital part of their daily lives.

“Yam Island airstrip is an important milestone in the big Torres Strait airstrip upgrade.  And it’s important for the people of Torres Strait too,” Mr O’Brien said.

TSRA Deputy Chairman and Portfolio Member for Housing and Infrastructure, Mr Fred Gela said the Marine and Airstrip Program has provided vital infrastructure to the Torres Strait and in turn has contributed toward improving the quality of life for the people of the region

 “This whole of government collaboration has resulted in all our communities receiving improved safety in air travel, with grass airstrips being transformed to sealed gravel pavement runways - gone are the days when the airstrips are closed during the monsoon,” said Mr Gela.

 “The local economy will gain from year-round access to communities, with visitor movements enhancing business opportunities and residents benefiting by being able to commute between islands quickly and safely, to attend family and cultural events. During the 14-week Iama Island project, four local community members were employed and took part in the construction of the airstrip, receiving training under the Heavy Equipment and Management Training Program (HEMTP).

 “It is contributing to community capacity building by up-skilling trainees in the areas of construction and heavy machinery use, enabling them to assist their own community in maintaining infrastructure, as well as becoming part of a skilled pool of local workers who can be called upon to assist in future projects.

 “The Marine and Airstrip Program now has a further four projects planned for the region, which include the upgrades of berthing dolphins (posts for mooring vessels) at Hammond, Erub, Warraber and Kubin communities.

 “I would like to congratulate the Iama Island Council and community on their upgraded airstrip and the four trainees who have participated in its construction,” he said.

 The Iama Island Airstrip project included the completion of an 800-metre all weather airstrip, replacement of airstrip equipment, fencing and access tracks outside the airstrip perimeter.

Mr O’Brien said the official opening of the newly-sealed Yam Island air strip means all air strips in the Torres Strait have now been upgraded to a sealed, all-weather standard.  “Despite construction being put back by the late wet season, the $2 million project was completed ahead of schedule and within budget,” Mr O’Brien said.