Both the Remote Airstrips Upgrade Program (RAUP) and the Regional Airports Program (RAP) are set to continue after the government allocated more funding from the Federal Budget.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King detailed the funding in an announcement made yesterday.
"The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program will be extended with an additional $50 million over three years, to improve safety of remote airstrips and accessibility for people with disability," King said.
"The Regional Airports Program will be extended with an additional $40 million in competitive grant funding over three years from 2024-25."
King also said the Federal Government would fund an inspection program for airstrips serving remote communities.
"The government will also provide $500,000 in funding per year to the Remote Aerodrome Inspection Programme, to provide critical inspection services to ensure safety of remote airport operations.
"The program supports First Nations community aerodromes safety, and allows the Royal Flying Doctor Service and others to safely land in remote communities."
Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) CEO Rob Walker said his association welcomed the funding announcement.
“The RAAA would like to acknowledge the ongoing investment by the government," Walker said. "The continued safe operations of our member companies for the benefit of the regional communities they serve is of the utmost importance ...
“These investments ensure that people living in regional Australia continue to have access to essential goods and services and demonstrate that the Government also needs to be engaged and supportive of the aviation industry and the adoption of new technologies.
"The RAAA looks forward to the continued investment by government and their commitment in the years ahead.”
RAUP has already funded 470 projects costing $115 million, including Round 10 grants announced last week.
RAP began in the 2018-19 budget year and has so far poured $98.7 million into 114 projects. The last round of grants was made in January 2023, completing the $100 million program.