The Federal Government yesterday launched Round 11 of the Remote Airstrips Upgrade Program (RAUP), which will deliver $25 million in improvements at remote airports.
RAUP allocated funding to approved upgrade programs for airstrips in regions designated as remote or very remote, and funds up to 50% of projects valued between $5000 and $4 million, or 100% of a qualifying airstrip is indigenous-owned.
Projects approved historically include sealing or resealing taxiways and runways, lighting, drainage and fencing, but Round 11 has been expanded to include access facilities for disabled people.
“Safe and accessible airstrips are critical to safeguarding the quality of life in many remote and very remote communities across Australia, as they keep essential services running and allow businesses to grow and thrive," said Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm.
“Improving the resilience of these aerodromes will also mean people who are based in remote areas can continue to live, do business and retire there, knowing they will have access to the emergency and other services needed in any stage of life."
The 2024-25 Federal Budget allowed for two more rounds of the RAUP, with a total of $50 million to be spent in the next 12 months, even though the 2024 Aviation White Paper had that spread over three years.
“The Aviation White Paper backed this program due to its support for some of our most vulnerable who reside in these remote communities," Chisholm said, "so I’m pleased to hear that measures allowing people with a disability to access air services have been prioritised under the [RAUP].”
Grant submissions for qualifying airports can be submitted via the Federal Government's business website.
Round 11 of the RAUP closes on 13 December 2024.