The Australian Airports Association (AAA) has welcomed a recent focus on policy in the airports and aviation sector, leading up to the Federal election.
AAA Acting CEO Nick Lane said aviation and airports are critical parts of Australia’s infrastructure but funding is a challenge in regional areas.
“Securing adequate funding for regional and remote aerodromes has been an ongoing challenge for many local government bodies, and we welcome the policy focus and funding that both Labor and the Coalition bring to this area,” Mr Lane said.
The Labor Party has announced a policy focus on airports and aviation during its 2016 election campaign.
The Labor Party’s policy covers a number of areas, including international, domestic and regional aviation, general aviation, industry skills and productivity, consumer protection,aviation safety, regulation and investigation, air traffic management, aviation security, airport planning and development, minimizing the impact of aircraft noise, airport safeguarding, economic regulation of airports, regional and remote airports, and aviation and carbon emissions.
Mr Lane said he is pleased with Labour’s support in the sector.
“Labor’s support for flexible funding to local governments who manage regional and remote airstrips, as well as direct assistance for upgrading remote airstrips in partnership with state, territory and local governments is welcome recognition of the vital role these facilities play in connecting our regional and remote communities with the rest of the country whether it is for the provision of essential and emergency services, business, or education,” Mr Lane said.
