$29 Million for Regional Airport 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.

The Liberal and Nationals Government is providing a further $29 million for upgrades to regional airports and aerodromes, ensuring regional communities remain connected and boosting tourism.

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.

“Improving our regional airports will provide a significant benefit to regional Australia, supporting jobs during construction and operations and creating new economic opportunities.”

“Our Government is getting the job done for regional Australia and we will continue to investing in the infrastructure regional Australia needs and deserves.”

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