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Regional breakthrough
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Funding confirmation addresses critical need
The confirmation of a $100 million regional airport fund in the Federal budget in April was a significant milestone for the industry.
The fund will address a critical need for the regions, and recognises the vital role airports play in local communities.
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For the first time, regional airports will be able to access a dedicated fund to complete the essential maintenance and upgrades that keep their operations compliant and safe – and their communities open for business.
While the campaign for the creation of the fund has been hard-fought, the benefits to regional communities will be significant and long-lasting.
Some regional airports at risk of closure will be able to stay open. Others will be able to promote growth in their communities instead of merely struggling to keep up with rising costs.
Works including fencing, runway upgrades and taxiway overlays will be made possible, improving airport operations for years to come.
It was pleasing to see the importance of this task acknowledged during the recent Federal election campaign, with bipartisan support for a regional airport fund.
That’s worthy recognition of the role regional airports play, and the desperate financial need facing airports that simply don’t have the scale to cover their costs.
It was a sentiment echoed by the many organisations that supported the AAA’s Protect Regional Airports campaign over the last two years.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service made the importance of regional airports clear, ensuring local communities can quickly and reliably access lifesaving emergency services.
The Australian Logistics Council highlighted the need for a strong national aviation network across the country to keep our regions and local businesses strong.
The Australian Local Government Association confirmed the challenges faced by local councils as airport costs continue to rise, potentially putting a drain on limited ratepayer funds.
The Regional Aviation Association of Australia discussed the importance of regional airports to the national network.
And finally, Regional Capitals Australia highlighted the role regional airports play in driving local economic growth.
The reasons these organisations lent their name to the campaign were varied, but all centred on a simple truth: regional airports are vital not just to their communities, but to the broader national network as well.
The task now is to ensure the fund benefits those who need it most.
The AAA looks forward to seeing the first projects under the fund progress over the coming months.
‘The task now is to ensure the fund benefits those who need it most’
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