Regional airports and aerodromes can now apply for grant funding through Round 5 of the Regional Airports Program, with $15 million available for vital safety and accessibility upgrades.

Round 5 can fund essential works between $20,000 and $5 million, such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting installation and upgrades or works to support air services transition to net zero aviation technology.

Grants can also cover enabling functions such as safety training and airside ambulance and passenger shelters to support patient health in transit.

Eligible works can receive a grant amount of up to 50 per cent of the total project costs.

Applications opened today, and owners and operators of existing aerodromes or airports in regional locations have until 28 July to submit their applications.

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.

Further details, including on eligibility, are available at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-airports-program-round-5

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“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.

“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.”