More than $700,000 allocated for upgrades to 31 remote airstrips in theParkes electorate under Round 4 of the Australian Government’s $33.7 million Remote Airstrip Upgrade Programme

New lighting, fencing and navigation technology is the key feature of upgrades to 31 airstrips in regional New South Wales funded under Round 4 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Programme. 

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the funding was part of the Australian Government’s announcement in the 2015-16 Budget of $33.7 million over four years to fund upgrades for remote community airstrips across Australia. 

“The tyranny of distance is a way of life for many of our most remote communities, and safe and functioning airstrips are often the only reliable means of transport for freight and urgent services,” Mr Chester said.

“These airstrip upgrades will ensure that residents throughout rural, regional and remote New South Wales have continued access to essential health care services including emergency medical evacuations as well as improved access to work and education opportunities.

“Having access to fresh food and water, and indeed access to communities hundreds of kilometres away, is an underappreciated fact in many cities, but for residents in remote communities it is essential.  Given smaller aircraft often service these communities, simple measures such as providing a smooth runway or keeping wildlife away can make all the difference in a safe landing.”

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding was critical to keeping communities throughout the electorate connected to vital services.

“Many people living in cities may not be aware of the importance of these airstrips in connecting people living in remote communities,” Mr Coulton said.

“These upgrades will include a range of upgrades to airstrips, including the replacement of a boundary fence at White Cliffs aerodrome, runway resealing and the replacement of solar lights at Menindee aerodrome, and a range of lighting upgrades across other aerodromes.

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service was the funding  applicant for the majority of approved projects, highlighting the importance of these upgrades to the local community in ensuring essential health services continue.”

Airstrip upgrades in the Electorate of Parkes –

Central Darling Shire Council, NSW, White Cliffs, Replace boundary fence, $56,500.00; Menindee, Reseal sealed runway and replace solar lights, $63,636.36.

Royal Flying Doctor Service, NSW, Blantyre Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00;  Bushley Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Clifton Downs Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Emmdale Roadhouse, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Goodooga, Install RNAV and Lighting, $42,500.00; Grasmere Station, Install lighting,$7,500.00; Kayrunnera Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Klondyke Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Lake Cargellico, Install RNAV and Lighting, $42,500.00; Mazar Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Monolon Station, Install RNAV and Lighting, $42,500.00; Mount Arrowsmith, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Packsaddle, Replace existing lights, $7,500.00; Reola Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Tandour Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Tero Creek Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Theldarpa Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Tiltra Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Westwood Downs Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Woolcunda Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Yamba Station, Install lighting, $7,500.00; Baradine, RNA installation, $40,000.00; Collarenebri, RNAV installation, $40,000.00; Ivanhoe, Install RNAV,$40,000.00; Louth, Install RNAV, $40,000.00; Tottenham, Install RNAV, $40,000.00; Wanaaring, Install RNAV, $40,000.00; White Cliffs – Install RNAV, $40,000.00; Wilcannia, Install RNAV, $40,000.00.