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The Federal Government is pouring $13.4 million into safety and accessibility upgrades at 21 regional airstrips around Australia.
Airstrips in remote communities across the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and NSW will be given grants of $5,000 to $3 million to upgrade their facilities by 2026 as part of the government’s Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program (RAUP).
“Many of the successful applicants manage airstrips which service remote First Nations communities, aiding their access to vital services and supplies,” the government said in a media release.
“Remote airstrips and certified aerodromes, also provide remote communities with critical access to urgent supplies, life-saving medical flights and to family, friends and services in larger towns.
The upgrades enabled by the funding will include priority works such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage, with the largest single grant of $2,956,799 going to Lockhart River Aerodrome in Far North Queensland for aeronautical ground lighting.
“The installation of new lighting will allow aircraft, including emergency service flights, to land at night. While upgraded fencing will prevent animals from entering airstrips and causing damage or creating a safety hazard,” the government said.
“Given the recent spate of heavy rainfall in remote Australia, crucial upgrades to drainage will also prevent airstrip surfaces from flooding and eroding, and runway resurfacing will ensure air operators can land safely – without damaging their aircraft.”
Senator Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Regional Development & Education, said the funding will “help ensure the safe operation and longevity of twenty-one airstrips, so that remote and isolated communities continue to have access to essential goods and services”.
“Safe and accessible airstrips are critical to safeguarding the quality of life in many remote and very remote communities across Australia, as they keep essential services running and allow businesses to grow and thrive,” he said.
“Following the recent floods across remote Australia, improving the durability of these airstrips has never been more crucial. This improved resilience will also mean people who grow up in remote areas can continue to live, do business and retire there, knowing they will have access to the emergency and other services needed in any stage of life.
“I look forward to seeing the impact these airstrip projects will have as they get underway, supporting jobs while delivering lasting upgrades that will service communities well into the future.”
The Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) has been contacted for comment.
