The Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS) has selected 17 Western Australian airports for grants to support projects that will improve safety, capacity, capability, planning and security.
The selected 17 regional airports will receive over $3 million in total funding.
The Shire of Jerramungup received the largest grant of $729,000, contributing to a $2.5 million upgrade of the Bremer Bay Airstrip. The funding will go towards the construction of a cross runway, two taxiways and installation of lighting and fencing.
Bremer Bay has faced threats from large bushfires in recent years, with air resources playing a critical role in combating the bushfire threats. RADS funding will further strengthen the capacity of fire and emergency services to manage fire incidents in the region.
The Shire of Laverton has received a grant of $417,950 to support a $3.7 million project to design and construct a new terminal at Laverton Airport.
This RADS funding round will also help improve facilities for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in remote towns across the Kimberley, Mid-West, South-West and Wheatbelt including Djarindjin-Lombadina, Halls Creek and Moora.
Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, said, “The Regional Airports Development Scheme continues to play an important role in supporting the growth and sustainability of regional airports, and this year more than $3 million in grants will support 17 critical projects throughout regional and remote Western Australia.
“Bremer Bay Airport has received the largest grant for major upgrades to construct a cross runway and two taxiways, including markers, lighting, and installation of fencing – this will improve air operations at Bremer Bay, particularly for firefighting purposes.”
Other major projects to receive funding include the design and construction of a new terminal at Laverton Airport, installation of water storage and upgrading of emergency services facilities at Moora Aerodrome and resealing of the runway, taxiway and aprons at Meekatharra Airport.
“The McGowan Government has a strong focus on regional aviation, with the RADS grants complementing the Government’s introduction of capped airfares last year, making airfares more affordable for regional residents,” Ms Saffioti said.
“These RADS grants will upgrade regional airport infrastructure that is critical to supporting Regular Public Transport air services across WA, helping regional residents connect to Perth.”
More than $41 million in RADS funding has assisted over 300 regional airport projects across WA by improving safety, renewing facilities and enhancing planning and management of regional airports.
RADS grants provide up to 50 per cent of the total cost of each eligible project.
For the full list of RADS Grant recipients please visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/RADS.
