William Scott
Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program will see four regional airports in Western Australia receive upgrades to improve safety and enhance accessibility.
The almost $800,000 commitment will include upgrades such as runway resurfacing and sealing, line marking and drainage.
In Northam, $357,553 will support construction of a fit-for-purpose sealed apron and associated line marking at Northam Airfield. This will improve access and safety for emergency services, including fire-fighting aircraft and general aviation.
Other works to be funded under Round 4 in Western Australia are:
- $236,817 for the Shire of Katanning to restore and reseal the runway at Katanning Aerodrome, which will support its use for healthcare, including the RFDS and fire and emergency services
- $153,000 for the Shire of Cunderdin to upgrade drainage, repair the runway seal, and deliver new line marking and navigational aids at Cunderdin Airport. This will improve the airfield’s safety for users, which include the RFDS, firefighting, general aviation and recreational flights
- $26,662 for the Shire of Boyup Brook to resurface the runway at Boyup Brook’s Airstrip, to provide a safe and accessible runway for the RFDS to use during medical emergencies, as well as fire-fighting aircraft and general aviation use
The Federal Government said the announcement builds on the nearly $100 million that has already been delivered to support 194 projects under the first three rounds of the program.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “We’re backing regional communities in Western Australia by backing regional airports, which provide critical connectivity to other towns, to economic opportunities, and to services like emergency healthcare.
“Importantly, this funding will support safer, better runways that RFDS and firefighting aviation services rely on to help communities when they need it most.”
Federal Minister for Resources, Minister for Northern Australia and Federal Member for Brand, Madeleine King, said, “These sorts of works can make a real and lasting difference in our state’s regional communities, allowing them to access health and other services from their own towns.
“I look forward to seeing the profound benefits these projects will unlock as they get underway.”
For more information on the Regional Airports Program, including a full list of Round 4 projects in Western Australia, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/aviation/regional-remote-aviation/regional-airports-program.
