Eighty-nine regional airport projects will be benefitting from the $30 million grant funding of the Round 2 of the Regional Airports Program, supporting important safety and access upgrades for regional airports.   

“For our regional communities, the local airport provides an essential link to the rest of Australia,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said.   

“That’s why we’ve committed $100 million over four years from 2019–20 to 2022–23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver upgrades to improve runway and taxiway pavements and install new lighting or fencing.” 

The projects will help improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers, the delivery of goods and services and meet the operational requirements of aeromedical and emergency services. 

Examples of the funded projects include the following: 

• $600,000 to the Northern Territory Government for sealing the runway at Hughes Airstrip to support fire-fighting efforts.  
• $400,000 to Charters Towers Regional Council for airstrip, fencing and other upgrades at Charters Towers Airport in Queensland. 
• $260,857 to Kempsey Shire Council for fencing to reduce wildlife intrusion at Kempsey airport in New South Wales. 
• $267,300 to Warrnambool City Council in Victoria to seal Warrnambool airport’s runway 04/22. 
• $241,000 to the Shire of Mingenew in Western Australia to upgrade the Mingenew airstrip to support Royal Flying Doctors Service operations. 
• $320,000 to the Corporation of the City of Port Augusta to reseal the apron area and upgrade the runway lighting at Port Augusta airport in South Australia. 
• $90,000 to the Break O’Day Council for new fencing at St Helen’s airport in Tasmania. 

“This is a great example of the Liberal and Nationals Government backing the aviation industry and importantly it will help secure a stronger future for these regional areas – needed now more than ever as we continue to recover from COVID-19,” Deputy Prime Minister Joyce said.

Australian Airports Association (AAA) Chief Executive James Goodwin said the provided funding for regional airport infrastructure was extremely important. 

“Regional airports were among the first hit and will be one of the last to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic with passenger numbers dropping more than 70 per cent during the peak,” Chief Executive Goodwin said.   

“This investment from the Australian Government not only ensures regional communities can continue to enjoy safe and efficient air transport but it also future proofs regional Australia for generations to come with infrastructure which drives economic growth and connectivity.”

The Regional Airports Program will help regional airports deliver projects that will generate long-term benefits, providing communities access to freight, work, essential services, health care, family and friends.

The Australian Government is working with successful recipients under the current round of the program, delivering the funding needed to help support the regions’ post-pandemic recovery. 

The $30 million funding is in addition to the total package of support for Australia’s aviation industry of more than $4.5 billion in response to COVID-19. 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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