Runway resurfacing project complete
The $14 million runway resurfacing at Broome International Airport has been completed ahead of schedule, ensuring its future as a gateway to tourism and industry.
BIA chief executive officer Nick Belyea said work to remove and replace the top layer of what he described as "Broome's most important street" went without a hitch and sent a clear message that the town was open for business.
Mr Belyea said the BIA- funded project was well supported by the Broome community and businesses, and ensured "a vital transit point for tourism and industry remains fully operational".
"I'd like to thank the Broome community for their support throughout this project," he said.
"More than 40 local businesses provided goods and services to help deliver the work, which went very smoothly.
"This project was carefully planned over three years and is certainly one of Broome's most significant infrastructure projects for the year … it has been a real success."
Mr Belyea said the project was part of a series of investments in upgrades and enhancements to the airport that would deliver benefits to Broome and local businesses.
"We are committed to the future of Broome and we want to ensure we go about our airport improvements and upgrades in a carefully planned way that brings maximum benefits to the community with minimal disturbance," he said.
"This project is a clear indication of BIA's confidence in the future and that Broome is open for business.
"We'd like to ensure that other future works are carried out with the same degree of professionalism as the runway maintenance, which is the largest project in BIA's history," Mr Belyea said.
The project was overseen by lead contractor Tropic Asphalts, which recently completed a similar project at Hobart Airport.
Mr Belyea said the company was selected based on its track record of undertaking quality work efficiently and with a minimum of disturbance to the environment and surrounding communities.
He said the operation employed about 50 Broome-based crew, and more than 40 local businesses provided supplies and services.
