The Australian Federal Government will allocate $8.9 million out of the Regional Aviation Access Program over the next two years to upgrade airports in remote regions.
The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss this morning.
A total of 39 airports in six states will be upgraded, ranging from $1.4 million to upgrade Wanarn, WA, to $7500 for new electrical components at Aurukun in QLD.
The government contribution represents 66% of the $13.5 million needed to complete all the projects.
“The funding will provide essential safety and access upgrades, including repairing and upgrading runways, constructing animal-proof perimeter fencing, installing runway lighting and upgrading drainage,” Mr Truss said.
“These upgrades will assist communities in meeting the aviation safety obligations required to ensure the continuation of air services, such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Australia Post, freight and other air transport services.
“Local airstrips are vital in the delivery of essential goods and services to remote communities, including medical care. They also connect remote communities with each other and provide residents with access to work and education opportunities.
“With vast distances spanning our continent, safe and fully functioning airstrips are often the only reliable means of transport.
“Given smaller aircraft often service these communities, simple but effective measures like providing smooth runways or keeping wildlife away can make all the difference in a safe landing."
Major projects include:
- Wanarn, WA - $1.4 million
- Ernabella, SA - $850,000
- Kowanyama, QLD - $840,000
- Flinders Island - $786,000
- Lockhart River - $650,000
- Kundat Djaru (Ringers Soak), WA - $550,000
- Gacoyne Junction, WA - $400,000
No federal funding has been announced for airports in Victoria, where the current government has spent $13 million of state money upgrading several regional airports. Most recently, $150,000 was allocated to upgrade the runway surface at Wangaratta.
"Over the last three years, the Victorian Government has committed more than $13 million from its Regional Aviation Fund to 11 regional Victorian airports," commented Gordon Rich-Phillips, Victorian Minister for the Aviation Industry.
"The Regional Aviation Fund was developed to assist local communities in improving regional airfield infrastructure at public-access airports.
"The Victorian Coalition Government recognises the importance of Victorian regional airports and notes the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Aviation Access Programme funding announcement.
"The Victorian Government would welcome future Commonwealth funding flowing through to Victoria under the Programme."
The full list of funded projects can be found on the Department of Infrastructure website.