Wheels up on 55 new remote airstrip upgrades

Fifty-five aerodromes across remote Australia will share in nearly $15 million in federal funding to deliver critical upgrades that enhance safety and accessibility.

Delivered under Round 9 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, aerodromes in remote South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, New South Wales and the Northern Territory will receive funding – with 11 of these First Nations applicants and many more supporting remote First Nation communities.

The funding will allow these aerodromes to deliver priority safety and access works including runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage works.

Runway resurfacing ensures air operators can land safely and without damaging their aircraft, while fencing prevents animals such as camels and kangaroos from entering airstrips.

New lighting allows aircraft to land at night, supporting emergency service flights, while drainage works prevent flooding or erosion of airstrip surfaces.  

These upgrades help ensure remote and isolated communities continue to have access to essential goods and services, including emergency health care.

This round brings the Australian Government’s total funding for remote airstrip upgrades under the program to over $100 million, delivering 449 projects nationwide.

For the list of successful projects, and further information on the program, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/aviation/regional-remote-aviation/remote-airstrip-upgrade.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm:

“The Albanese Government knows that remote aerodromes make a major difference to the communities they serve, by keeping Australians connected to each other and to critical services such as healthcare, and getting goods in and out in a timely manner.

“This supports quality of life in remote communities, helps remote businesses grow and thrive, and builds opportunity and economic growth across our regions.

“I look forward to seeing the impact this funding will have as projects get underway.

“The investments from this program show the continuing commitment of the Albanese Government to deliver the infrastructure that regional Australia needs.”