VITAL FUNDING FOR REGIONAL AIRPORTS

60 regional airports will receive a share of $41.2 million, in another step taken by the Federal Government to help Australia’s aviation industry get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Regional Airports Program would assist the owners of regional airports to undertake essential works, promoting aviation safety and access for regional Australians.

“For our regional communities, the local airport is an essential link to the rest of Australia,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Government is investing in regional airports because we know this infrastructure is key to securing our regional aviation network now and into the post-COVID future.

“We are investing $100 million over four years from 2019-20 to 2022-23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver safer runways, taxiways and other safety upgrades such as new fencing and safety equipment.”

The Federal Government will work with successful recipients and communities under this round to deliver the funding needed to help support regional Australia’s post-pandemic recovery.

Examples of projects funded include:

  • A $5 million runway upgrade at Ballarat Airport in Victoria

  • $4.5 million for runway works at Merimbula Airport in New South Wales

  • $2.45 million for runway and taxiway works at Whyalla Airport in South Australia

  • $1.73 million for a range of work at Gladstone Airport in Queensland

  • $1.66 million for re-surfacing works at Albany Airport in Western Australia

This funding is in addition to the Federal Government’s total package of support for Australia’s aviation industry of more than $1.2 billion.

For more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/regional/rap.aspx

Shane Manning