Cape York Weekly FREE – #099 | Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Editor: Matt Nicholls 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
INSIDE TODAY
I’VE GOT YOU, MATE
Malakai Masters gives his buddy Isaac Raye a helping hand at the Central Cape Suns grand final day on Saturday. Dozens of kids took to the field at Weipa’s Andoom Oval for their last hitout of the season. See the action on Pages 22 & 23
MAPOON OPENS HEALTH CENTRE Page 11
AUSTRALIA DAY NPA RACES CELEBRATIONS AND RODEO Pages14 8& Pages &9 15
Picture: ALEX RETHUS PHOTOGRAPHY
Bamaga runway in desperate need of repairs
Airport crisis looms By SAMUEL DAVIS
A “DANGEROUS” Cape York airstrip could lead to fatalities if urgent repairs aren’t carried out soon, local leaders say. Built during World War II, Bamaga airport’s rutted runway
connects the Northern Peninsula Area to Cairns with around a thousand takeoffs and landings expected this year. But the most recent technical inspection found the strip is in “poor condition” with major upgrades desperately needed.
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch, who met recently with NPA council, said the estimated $15 million project should be funded by the state and federal governments. “It’s dangerous and it’s only going to get worse,” the MP said.
“I would think a 50-50 arrangement would be fair. “I had an agreement that it would be done if we returned to government. “There are a few thousand people living up there. They have every right to a safe, accessible
airstrip. Are we going to wait until somebody dies?” With roads often inaccessible during the wet season, NPARC mayor Patricia Yusia said communities could be stranded if the runway was shut down. Continued – Page 2
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