CEO Frank Mills said the airstrip will need to be repaired before this year’s wet season. The airstrip will be closed for 40 days during the repair work. He hoped that construction could finish in late October. 

Mr Mills said council representatives received a positive response when they met deputy premier Jackie Trad last week. 

In the unconfirmed council meeting minutes from Wednesday, July 20, the Mornington Shire Mayor Brad Wilson said he had informal discussions for the Birri runway to be used while repairs were being made. The Birri airstrip is approximately 25 kilometres from the island’s main runway. 

Mr Mills said that traditional owners that owned the Birri Runway confirmed the community could access it. “They certainly will be looking at it favourably,” he said. 

It would allow the Royal Flying Doctor Service planes to land on the island. Further discussion with government needed to be made to see if other services could land on the Birri airstrip, Mr Mills said. 

State Member Rob Katter said that there was bureaucratic red tape obstructing the speed in which the council was receiving the funding to repair the airstrip. 

“The works must be carried out before the wet season, otherwise there will be serious complications with the repair work,” Mr Katter said. “As we get closer to the wet season, the window of opportunity is closing – time is of the essence to secure funding and award tenders for the repairs.” 

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the department continues to assist Mornington Shire Council to find funding and make repairs.