$29 million for regional airport upgrades

The Federal Government is providing a further $29 million for upgrades to regional airports and aerodromes, as applications open for the third round of the Regional Airports Program.

The Regional Airports Program (RAP) provides grants to improve the safety and accessibility of airports and aerodromes in regional areas of Australia.

Grants of between $20,000 and $5 million are available to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. There is a total of up to $29 million available for this grant round.

These projects include runway resurfacing to ensure safer landings, drainage works to prevent future flooding or erosion of runway surfaces, lighting upgrades to allow for night landings, and fencing to maintain a safer landing area.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said regional airports play a vital role in sustaining regional economies and communities.

“This $29 million funding injection will deliver vital upgrades and improvements to keep regional airports and aerodromes operating at their full capacity, ensuring the smooth delivery of goods and services to regional areas, boosting tourism and keeping locals and visitors moving,” Joyce said.

“Recent flooding events have highlighted just how crucial regional airports and aerodromes can be for getting essential supplies and aero-medical services into communities.”

Under the $100 million RAP, the Government has already committed nearly $71 million toward 150 projects nationwide.

Applications for the RAP close 17 May 2022.

For more information on the program, click here.