The Federal Government will extend the Remote Airport Upgrade Program, providing another $28.3 million over the next four years.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack announced the extension in the wake of last night's 2018 Federal Budget.
"The Government remains committed to delivering better access and safety upgrades to remote airstrips and will extend the Remote Airstrip Upgrade program by providing $28.3 million from 2018–19 to 2021–22," McCormack said.
"Remote airstrip upgrades ensure continued access to essential, potentially lifesaving, health care as well as fresh food, mail services and access to employment and education opportunities.
"This investment will boost local economies, support local needs and create more local jobs.
"Competitive grants funding rounds will be conducted with applications sought from local airstrip owners, such as local councils, cattle stations and indigenous communities."
The program began in 2015-16 with the goverment allocating $33 million over four years. The final round of grants was announced in March this year, in which a total of $7 million was handed out to 31 projects.
To qualify for the program, an airstrip must be located in a region classified as "remote" or "very remote."