Djarindjin (Lombadina) becomes WA’s first Aboriginal-owned airport

On 20 April 2018, the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation celebrated becoming the owner-operator of the Djarindjin (Lombadina) Airport (YLBD).

Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation entered into a partnership with Broome International Airport in 2010, to provide refuelling services to helicopters enroute to the Shell Prelude and Inpex Ichthys liquified natural gas (LNG) projects in the Browse Basin, about 300km offshore north of Djarindjin.

This required upgrades to Djarindjin airport, so the Aboriginal Corporation borrowed $6million, which has now been repaid in just six years.

This means income from the airport can now be invested into other business and social initiatives to bolster the community and these offshore projects will be operational for decades to come.

Guests at the celebration, including WA Senator Patrick Dodson and Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, watched the ‘hot refuelling’ of the $45million Sikorsky S-92A Helibus helicopters of CHC Helicopters Australia and HNZ Australia.

There are up to 24 helicopter refuellings each day, each requiring the LNG rig workers to disembark from the helicopters into a modern air-conditioned waiting lounge, whilst the local workers undertake the  specialised hot-refuelling the choppers with the engines and rotors are still operating. Djarindjin is one of the few civilian airports in Australia which is accredited to undertake hot-refuelling.

The airport provides employment for about 20 local Bardi people from Djarindjin and surrounding communities.

The upgraded airport also benefits Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft, which visit local residents.

Djarindjin Airport, totally managed and staffed by local Aboriginal workers, is an excellent example of a partnership between an Aboriginal corporation and resources companies that facilitates ongoing employment and other economic opportunities.