The Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, has announced upgrade funding for four remote airports in Queensland.
The funding announcements include:
- $310,000 to re-seal Richmond
- $69,000 for lit windsocks at Julia Creek
- $790,000 to upgrade Pormporaaw
- $225,000 to upgrade Kowanyama
The grants are part of the government's $1.9 million project to upgrade 42 remote airstrips around the country.
"Remote Airstrip Upgrade funding provides essential safety and access upgrades, including repairing and upgrading runways, constructing animal proof perimeter fencing, installing runway lighting and upgrading drainage," Truss said.
“This is further evidence that the Australian Government is not just committed to our cities, but is also providing the infrastructure our remote communities deserve.”
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the Pormporaaw upgrade would ensure the airstrip met the safety standards and could continue to operate.
“This upgrade is vital for the community in Pormpuraaw and the wider region that the airstrip services, providing access for air passenger transport services, freight companies, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Australia Post,” he said.
“Particularly in the north of this country, we rely on air services to provide essential goods and services.
“Airstrips like this also connect communities with each other, and can provide residents with access to work and education opportunities otherwise not possible.”
More information on the remote airports program is on the Australian Flying news feed.