Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm today announced $25 million in funding for Round 11 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program (RAUP).
The funding covers 42 projects across remote airports in NSW, NT, QLD, SA and WA, and brings the total money spent on the RAUP to $142 million.
In announcing the successful projects, Chisholm said that airstrips were critical to connect remote communities to the rest of the country.
"To a remote region, town or community, an airstrip is more than a straight, paved runway," he said. "It’s a lifeline to a community in need, it’s the connection to the major centres, it’s a source of food, household essentials and health.
“Following recent flooding in many parts of remote Queensland and other parts of our country, delivering more resilient transport infrastructure like this is essential.
“The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, now in its eleventh round, has funded so many crucial upgrades to airports across the great expanse of Australia – with this latest round ensuring even more of these connections remain and communities can thrive.”
Among the successful projects are:
- $3.9 million to repair and reseal the airstrip at Boigu, QLD
- $2.1 million to reseal, repair and expand Horn Island, QLD
- $2 million to reseal and mark, and upgrade lights at Doomadgee, QLD
- $1.9 million to reseal and expand William Creek, SA
- $1.7 million to upgrade Ampilatwatja, NT, to meet CASR Part 139
- $1.2 million for new works at Brewarinna and Goodooga, NSW
- $1.5 million for runway, apron and grading work at Tjuntjuntjara, WA.
Federal member for Lingiari in the NT, the ALP's Marion Scrymgour, said the money spent would keep remote airstrips in operation.
"As remote communities across Northern Australia head into another wet season and bushfire warnings become more regular across Central Australia, this funding ensures we’re equipping remote aerodrome owners and operators with the upgrades they need to keep services running.
“It’s crucial we improve the resilience of our airstrips in remote areas, to give communities the confidence they have access to emergency and other services when they need them.”
The full list of successful projects under Round 11 of the RAUP is on the Department of Infrastructure website.