The federal government has committed $10 million to complete upgrades at Cloncurry Airport in North West Queensland, which was badly damaged by flooding in late 2025 and early 2026.
The funding builds on $11.5 million already provided jointly by the federal and Queensland governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. That money paid for emergency repairs and flood resilience work so the airport could reopen, but further upgrades are needed to keep regular passenger services running and maintain access for mine workers.
The new commitment gives Cloncurry Shire Council the remaining funding it needs to finish the work.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the airport was vital to the region’s mining industry.
“Cloncurry Airport is a FIFO hub, servicing a range of mining operations, with the Mt Isa smelter and Townsville refinery also relying on copper sourced from the region,” she said.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm said the funding would give the community certainty.
“This funding boost goes even further, ensuring Cloncurry Shire Council can deliver the upgrades needed for regular passenger operations to continue, giving certainty to businesses and the local community,” he said.
The new funding builds on earlier investment in the airport. A $3.3 million redevelopment by Core Developments, completed in 2016, enlarged and refurbished the departure lounge and added a 586 m² extension housing passenger and baggage screening, check-in counters and baggage claim, along with a covered awning over the pick-up and set-down area.
Cloncurry holds a special place in aviation history as the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, with the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service launching there in 1928. Today, in addition to FIFO and regular passenger services, the airport supports aeromedical services, business travel and tourism.
The announcement follows recent visits to Cloncurry by the Prime Minister and the Treasurer.