Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with Coonamble Shire Council Mayor Al Karanouh.
Remote aerodromes in the Parkes electorate will receive a new lease on life with more than $645,000 in funding announced today by Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.
Mr Coulton said the funding has been allocated to enhance the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in Nyngan, Mungindi, Tilpa, Condobolin and Coonamble, under the Federal Government’s Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.
“Air services are vital to rural and remote communities, and I’m thrilled that the Federal Government is backing five shire councils in my electorate to make sure our airstrips are up to scratch,” Mr Coulton said.
“Airstrip upgrades will help these communities maintain their access to regional centres and essential goods and services.”
Mr Coulton said the successful recipients and projects include:
- $156,259 for Bogan Shire Council – to reseal bitumen apron, install lighting for emergency vehicles and aircraft, fence the runway area and install refuelling facilities at Nyngan Aerodrome.
- $155,000 for Moree Plains Shire Council – to improve infrastructure and operations at Mungindi Aerodrome for safety of users, and patients being transported from Mungindi and surrounds to hospital facilities.
- $80,000 for Central Darling Shire Council – to complete pavement resealing works and new line-marking at Tilpa Aerodrome.
- $35,000 for Lachlan Shire Council – to upgrade sections of Condobolin Aerodrome perimeter fence to be kangaroo-proof.
- $218,988 for Coonamble Shire Council – reseal runway, reinstate line-marking and complete an animal exclusion fence at Coonamble Aerodrome.
“I’m looking forward to working with these communities to ensure we deliver the essential airstrip works they need,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said funding under the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program will enhance the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in remote areas and improve delivery of essential goods and services including health care.
“We are investing in the future of regional communities by delivering better and safer access for regional Australians needing to travel,” Mr McCormack said.
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said the upgrades, being funded across Australia, would make remote airstrips safer and more accessible in all conditions.
“Eligible projects can include upgrading runway surfaces, stormwater drainage, runway lighting and animal proof fencing,” Mr Hogan said.
For more information on the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/regional/raug.aspx
BACKGROUND:
- The Government is funding 45 projects with $9 million under Round 7 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade program. Since 2013, $62 million has been approved for 297 remote airstrip projects across Australia.
- In the 2018-19 Budget, the Government announced additional funding of $24 million in program rounds for the Remote Airstrip Upgrade program over four years from 2018-19 to 2021-22.
- In March 2019, Mr Coulton announced $69,281 for the Parkes electorate under Round 6 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade program – for full details, see www.markcoulton.com.au/aerodrome-upgrades-for-wanaaring-and-lake-cargelligo