JMR with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce
Regional airports and aerodromes can now apply for their share of $29 million available to support vital safety and accessibility upgrades.
Applications are now open for Round 3 of the Regional Airports Program (RAP). Grants of between $20,000 and $5 million are available to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said delivering funding for safety and accessibility works at regional airports would have both immediate and long-term benefits for local communities.
“Aviation forms the backbone of our way of life and our economies, which is why I am proud to see we are delivering more funding to ensure our regions are better and more safely connected,” Senator Henderson said.
“This funding will ensure we continue to get our world-renowned goods to markets, locals to where they need to be, and medical and other supplies in – while providing a short-term boost to regional jobs and cash flow during construction works.
“I encourage airports and aerodromes across regional Victoria to consider applying for funding that will make a real difference for their operations, their workers and our communities.”
Regional airports that have already benefitted from funding under previous rounds of the RAP, include:
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.
“Our Government is continuing to provide the funding needed to strengthen regional Australia,” the Deputy Prime Minister 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.
“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.”
Under the $100 million RAP, the Government has already committed nearly $71 million toward 150 projects nationwide.
This funding supports important works including 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.
Applications close 17 May 2022. Further information, including grant guidelines, eligibility requirements and the application process, is available at: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-airports-program-round-3
Background note: The first two rounds of the Regional Airports Program have already delivered $5.86 million to upgrades at Bendigo and Ballarat Airports and Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome.
The Coalition Government’s investments in Bendigo Airport under a number of funding programs comprise: $5 million to construct a new runway to suit larger aircraft, $465,000 to expand the airport’s passenger transport apron and construct a run-up area: $300,000 to build a helicopter stand and a fuel truck parking area for emergency services and $4.5 million to extend the terminal and construct infrastructure for the proposed new business park.