Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) and Narromine Shire Council Mayor Craig Davies at Narromine Airport, which will undergo a number of important upgrades thanks to $389,000 in Federal Government funding through Round 2 of the Regional Airports Program.
Three airports in the Parkes electorate will share in $986,000 in Federal Government funding to undergo important upgrades to improve safety for local passengers and emergency services.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said Dubbo, Narrabri and Narromine airports are among 89 regional airports nationwide to receive funding under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program.
The local funding includes:
- $389,000 for Narromine Shire Council to construct a new taxiway, reseal the existing taxiways and apron area, remove trees and upgrade the water supply at Narromine Airport
- $300,000 for Dubbo Regional Council to undertake stage two of its general aviation apron upgrade at Dubbo Airport, which includes heavy patching and sealing of apron and upgrading stormwater infrastructure
- $297,000 for Narrabri Shire Council to reseal a section of the runway at Narrabri Airport
“Each of these local airports provide a fundamental service to their respective communities, and the Coalition Government understands the importance of backing regional communities and improving the nation’s infrastructure,” Mr Coulton said.
“These upgrades will help our communities to be assured that aviation safety obligations are up to scratch, while creating jobs and other economic opportunities for the future.
“Regional airports play an important social role in connecting individuals and families, and I look forward to working with the councils to deliver this vital funding.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the program supports important safety and access upgrades for regional airports.
“For our regional communities, the local airport provides an essential link to the rest of Australia,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“That’s why we’ve committed $100 million over four years from 2019–20 to 2022–23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver upgrades to improve runway and taxiway pavements, install new lighting or fencing.
“These projects will improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers, the delivery of goods and services and better meet the operational requirements of aeromedical and other emergency services, including supporting bushfire preparedness.
“This is a great example of our Government backing the aviation industry whilst boosting local economies to help secure a stronger future for these regional areas.”
For a full list of successful projects and more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit gov.au/regionalaviation.
