SIXTY regional airports are to receive a share of $41.2m, in an effort by the Commonwealth government to help Australia’s aviation industry survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for transport Michael McCormack said the Regional Airports Program would help the owners of regional airports do essential works and promote aviation safety and access for regional Australians.

“For our regional communities, the local airport is an essential link to the rest of Australia,” Mr McCormack said.

“The government is investing in regional airports because we know this infrastructure is key to securing our regional aviation network now and into the post-COVID future.”

The government is investing $100m over four years from 2019-20 to 2022-23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver safer runways, taxiways and other safety upgrades such as new fencing and safety equipment.

The government will work with successful recipients and communities under this round to deliver the funding needed to help support regional Australia’s post-pandemic recovery.

ADVERTISEMENT  

Examples of projects funded include:

 A $5m runway upgrade at Ballarat Airport in Victoria

 $4.5m for runway works at Merimbula Airport in New South Wales

 $2.45m for runway and taxiway works at Whyalla Airport in South Australia

 $1.73m for a range of work at Gladstone Airport in Queensland

 $1.66m for re-surfacing works at Albany Airport in Western Australia

This funding is in addition to the government’s total package of support for Australia’s aviation industry of more than $1.2bn.