The WA government is calling on local airport operators to apply for a share of up to $7.46 million in funding to improve regional airport infrastructure
February 9, 2011
The WA government is calling on local airport operators to apply for a share of up to $7.46 million in funding to improve regional airport infrastructure.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls says the Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS) is aimed at improving aviation infrastructure and services.
RADS
is expected to ensure regional airports are developed and maintained to support communities, business and tourism.
“RADS grants are an excellent way to improve regional Flying Doctor access, enhance regional development and help boost tourism,” Grylls says.
“That’s why we’ve significantly boosted the scheme with additional funding of $22 million over four years from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.”
Successful applicants can use the funds for ‘airside’ projects such as installing runway lighting, upgrading airstrips and erecting animal exclusion fencing.
“The grants can also be put towards eligible ‘landside’ improvement projects such as developing terminal buildings, Royal Flying Doctor patient transfer facilities and installing security equipment,” Grylls says
Transport Minister Troy Buswell says the scheme’s importance lies in ensuring regional communities have the opportunity to upgrade their airport facilities.
“For many isolated communities, air services are an essential connection to the outside world,” Buswell says.
“I urge members of regional communities to approach their local authorities if they have a proposal to improve local aviation facilities.”
Submissions are assessed on a number of criteria, including the type of project; benefit to the community or region; integration with airport master plans; and environmental management.
There is a lower limit of $10,000 for grants, but no upper limit.
Last year, 39 regional airport projects were allocated $6.7 million for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance programs to provide improved access for communities, safer emergency evacuations and greater tourism opportunities.
Since 1997, more than $26 million has been used to leverage funding for projects with a total value of more than $76 million.
Download the
information brochure and application form. Applications close March 1, 2011.