A new camel-proof fence around Punmu’s remote airstrip is improving aviation safety, supporting essential services and delivering lasting benefits through local employment.
A remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia’s Pilbara has secured a major safety upgrade for its airstrip, with new camel-proof fencing delivering what locals describe as a “profound” community impact.
At Punmu, where flights are critical for bringing in essential supplies and medical services, feral camels had become a serious safety risk. An existing stock fence was repeatedly breached, allowing camels to wander onto the airstrip and threaten aircraft operations.
“Because of the height, camels were able to push through the fence with their chests,” said Gary Kairn, Finance and Assistant Coordinator at Punmu Community.
“While this was able to be patched up, the straw that literally broke the camel’s back occurred earlier this year when the wires were broken.”
More than $420,000 in grant funding from the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure’s Regional Airports Development Scheme, combined with the Commonwealth’s Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, enabled the construction of a tougher and taller barrier fence.
Completed in July 2025, the new fencing now provides a safer, more reliable airstrip by preventing camels from accessing the runway area, reducing risks for pilots and passengers, and helping ensure the continuity of vital services.
Beyond aviation safety, the project was designed to deliver direct benefits to the community through local employment and skills development. The funding application prioritised local participation, with contractor Iain Bull selected to lead the works alongside a team of ten local Martu workers.
“The feedback from Ian on the standard of work delivered by our local people has been first class, and most importantly, they have real ownership of the new fence,” Kairn said.
As part of the project, approximately 16 kilometres of old fencing was removed and recycled, and a new 3.2-kilometre camel-proof fence was installed. The work provided paid employment opportunities while building transferable skills for community members.
“Community ownership of projects like this has profound and positive outcomes, and we just cannot thank the RADS team enough for accepting our proposal,” Kairn said.
The project highlights the role of targeted regional aviation funding in improving safety outcomes while supporting economic participation in remote communities.