Applications are now being sought for Round 10 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, which is set to deliver important upgrades to airstrips across the Parkes electorate.
The Remote Airstrips Upgrade Program is part of the Australian Government’s Regional Aviation Access Program and will provide up to $12 million in grant funding for sites in remote areas nationwide.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed the news, which has been eagerly awaited by many councils in the Parkes electorate.
“I’m pleased that the Australian Government has finally opened Round 10 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, as I’ve been contacted by local councils and private airstrip operators enquiring about the next round of funding and they will now be able to make an application.
“The accessibility of towns in regional areas to travellers, health personnel, business people and other professionals can greatly impact a town’s socio-economic potential, which is why a quality airstrip is so crucial.
“The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program was an initiative of the former Coalition Government to ensure connections are maintained to regional areas, and it’s great to see this continued.
“I’m proud that the former Coalition Government has made significant investments over the years through various programs to assist regional airports right across Australia. We are seeing the benefits of this continue to flow into our regions.”
Projects for Round 10 are set to be delivered between 2024 and 2026 with the aim of enhancing the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in remote areas.
The previous round of funding (Round 9) of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program was delivered in 2022 resulting in more than $700,000 for vital upgrades for remote airstrips in the Parkes electorate including:
- $330,000 for Bourke Shire Council to re-seal the runway of their local airport.
- $179,602 for Lachlan Shire Council to reseal airside movement areas including runway, taxiways and apron, and re-line mark at Condobolin.
- $97,845 for Lachlan Shire Council to reseal runway, taxiway and apron and re-line mark at Tottenham.
- $72,750 for Central Darling Shire Council for grading of the runway, provision of airstrip water supply and emergency lighting replacement at Emmdale.
- $64,800 for Walgett Shire Council to make safety improvements including line-marking runways, upgrading power supply, fuse boxes and backup emergency lighting systems at airports in Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Collarenebri, Burren Junction, and Carinda.
Applications for Round 10 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program can be lodged by local governments and owner and/or operators of an existing aerodrome in remote areas, with applications closing at 5pm AEDT on 15 December 2023.
For more information about the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program and to apply for Round 10, visit: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/remote-airstrip-upgrade-program-round-10
