Remote airport upgrades are delivering new opportunities for regional and isolated communities across Australia.
More than 40 airstrips and airports will be improved under Round 11 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, enhancing safety, reliability and access for residents and essential services.
The remote airport upgrades will focus on practical safety improvements such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage works.
These projects will make air travel safer and more dependable for communities that rely on air transport when roads are cut off by seasonal weather.
Supporting safer regional operations
Several councils will receive funding to deliver these upgrades.
Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council in Queensland will receive $2,050,037 to upgrade lighting and reseal the runway, taxiway and apron at Doomadgee Airport.
In New South Wales, Brewarrina Shire Council will receive $1,228,000 to refurbish pavements and lighting at the Brewarrina and Goodooga aerodromes.
The District Council of Streaky Bay in South Australia will receive $400,000 to reseal the runway, taxiway and apron at Streaky Bay Aerodrome.
Safe, operational aerodromes are crucial for delivering essential goods and services to remote and very remote communities, particularly where road access is unreliable or disrupted by seasonal weather conditions.
The upgrades will help maintain access to critical services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, as well as improve links to employment and education opportunities.
Investing in connectivity
In the 2024–25 Budget, the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million over three years to extend the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, ensuring ongoing support for regional aviation safety and access.