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The Federal Government has opened another $15 million in grant funding to regional airports.
As part of Round 5 of the Regional Airports Program, airports can apply for funding for essential works between $20,000 and $5 million, with eligible works able to receive up to 50 per cent of the costs as a grant.
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This includes “runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting installation and upgrades or works to support air services transition to net zero aviation technology,” the government says, as well as “enabling functions such as safety training and airside ambulance and passenger shelters to support patient health in transit”.
“In regional Australia where aircraft can double as the local postie, the shopping cart or the ambulance, having safe, secure and modern facilities aren’t optional, they’re essential,” said Transport Minister Catherine King.
“By funding regional airport upgrades, we can improve the safety of passengers, aircraft and freight, and open the door for regional communities to domestic and global markets.
“We’ve already made this possible with over 200 essential projects all over Australia so far under this program, and I look forward to adding more to the list.”
Applications are open until 28 July, with details available at available at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-airports-program-round-5.
“This latest round follows the previous four highly successful rounds of the program, which has supported 239 projects at airports or aerodromes across the country, delivering over $120 million in funding,” the government said.
The announcement follows the recent grants awarded to 34 regional and remote airports, mostly council-run, from a $4.8 million Commonwealth fund to help airports affected by Rex’s administration.
Dubbo Airport in regional NSW received the highest amount at $598,672, followed by Albany, Esperance and Carnarvon in WA, and Port Lincoln in South Australia; Armidale in NSW received the lowest payout at just $406.
According to Minister King, the Albanese government plans to “continue to work closely with regional and remote communities to strengthen aviation connectivity”.
“We committed to and delivered the successful sale of Rex Airlines to keep regional communities connected to the services they need,” she said last month.
“This financial support is yet another demonstration of our unwavering support for regional and remote aviation.
“We support regional aviation through word and deed, because we understand the essential nature of aviation to communities all over Australia.”
Business NSW earlier this month called for more support to regional airports in the state.
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