Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce today announced $29.5 million in grants for regional airports.
The funding is part of Round Two of the Regional Airports Program and will be spread across 89 projects around the country.
“For our regional communities, the local airport provides an essential link to the rest of Australia,”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.
“These projects will improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers, the delivery of goods and services and better meet the operational requirements of aeromedical and other emergency services, including supporting bushfire preparedness."
Successful projects include:
- $2.6 million for taxiway and drainage works, and new approach lighting at Albury, NSW
- $2.175 million for a new taxiway and apron at Merimbula, NSW
- $1.7 million for upgraded light infrastructure at Wagga Wagga, NSW
- $1.1 million for construction of a sealed parallel taxiway and run-up bays at Naranderra-Leeton, NSW
- $658,000 for sealing the runway ,taxiway and apron area, installation of aircraft monitoring and counting system and lighting at Swan Hill, Vic.
- $610,000 for new runway and taxiway works at Murray Bridge, SA
- $600,000 to reconstruct the runway at Hughes, NT.
The grant total announced today includes the four New England projects the minister announced last week.
Australian Airports Association (AAA) CEO James Goodwin said funding for regional airport infrastructure had never been so 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% during the peak,” he said.
“This investment from the Australian government not only ensures regional communities can continue to enjoy safe and efficient air transport, it also future proofs regional Australia for generations to come with infrastructure which drives economic growth and connectivity."
The full list of approved projects is on the Department of Infrastructure website.