Applications for Round 8 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program have opened as part of the Morrison-McCormack Government’s commitment to enhancing the safety and accessibility of airstrips in remote areas of Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said remote aerodromes were critical to aero-medical flights, the delivery of essential goods and services and connecting people to employment and education opportunities.
“The latest funding is part of our commitment to investing in the future of regional communities, with this program delivering $62 million for almost 300 projects since 2013,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said the funding will also provide local employment opportunities.
“Airstrips are often the only way to access remote communities and this funding will allow for upgrades including improving runway surfaces, improving lighting and installing animal proof fencing, providing a range of local employment opportunities,” Mr Hogan said.
“Owners or operators of existing aerodromes in remote or very remote areas of Australia can apply for a grant of between $5,000 and $500,000, with $7 million available in total.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch welcomes the latest round of funding and the changes made to reduce the co-contribution requirements for local councils.
“Some local councils are facing financials pressures due to COVID19 and in remote and very remote areas this may impact their ability to undertake critical works on their aerodromes” Warren Entsch said.
“Now is the time as air traffic is reduced to do these works and it is aimed at encouraging small projects that can be delivered quickly”
The Government has worked with industry to change guidelines so that small local government projects of $150,000 or less can now seek funding for 100 per cent of eligible project costs, helping to deliver critical airstrip upgrades at a time it is needed most.
Applications close on 12 November 2020, with full details on the Round 8 guidelines and the application form available at business.gov.au/RAUP.
