Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester has committed the Federal Government to funding regional and remote airports across Australia.
Speaking at the Australian Airports Association (AAA) dinner in Canberra last Wednesday, Chester said he would work with the AAA to make sure airport infrastructure was adequately maintained.
"At the local level, it can be a challenge to adequately fund the ongoing maintenance and development of regional or remote airports," Chester said.
"Other levels of government are generally responsible for these airports within our federal system. However, we do provide funding for access and safety upgrades through the Regional Aviation Access Programme."
"This year we also announced funding to upgrade airports in Merimbula, Moruya, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, and Busselton-Margaret River.
"And in Round Three of the National Stronger Regions Fund – funds have recently been committed to the Derby, Parkes and Dubbo airports.
"I am committed to continue to fund our regional and remote aerodromes and will work with the AAA on how best our government can deliver the appropriate support to this vital infrastructure."
Chester pointed out that, as a regional MP himself, he understood the importance of aviation to regional communities, but also noted that airports had to exist with a level of harmony in the communities they serve.
"Airport operators, whether large or small, need to develop a strong, open, beneficial relationship within their communities, to manage issues such as potential noise impacts.
"In this vein, a great deal of work has gone into promoting the National Airports Safeguarding Framework, incorporating guidelines on noise, wildlife strike [and] wind turbine risk."
The full text of Chester's speech is available on his ministerial website.