Australian Gov’t Commits $6.8 Million to Regional Airport Upgrades

The Australian Government has committed AUD6.8 million to upgrade regional airports in Queensland and Western Australia.

Transport Minister Catherine King says the government will spend AUD234,631 to replace the perimeter fencing and emergency generator at Hervey Bay (HVB);  AUD1.16 million to upgrade the general aviation apron at Roma (RMA); AUD1 million to build a fit-for-purpose patient transfer facility at Gladstone (GLT) for the Royal Flying Doctor Service; AUD795,097 to reseal and strengthen the runway and taxiway at Gympie (GYP); and AUD426,196 to upgrade the lighting system at Stanthorpe (SNH).

Over in Western Australia, AUD236,817 will go to the local council to restore and reseal the runway at Katanning (KNI); AUD153,000 to upgrade drainage, repair the runway seal, and deliver new line marking and navigational aids at Cunderdin Airport; AUD26,662 to resurface the runway at Boyup Brook’s airstrip; and AUD357,553 to help construct a fit-for-purpose sealed apron and associated line marking at Northam Airport.

The government is making the funding available under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program. The transport minister says nearly AUD100 million has already been provided to support 194 projects under the first three rounds of the program. 

Australia is due to hold a federal election by mid-May. While the date is yet to be set, the government and opposition are busy making funding announcements to woe voters.