Budget 2019: regional airports set to land $100m
A $100 million cash injection for regional airports will be included in Tuesday’s budget.
A $100 million cash injection for regional airports will be included in Tuesday’s budget, aimed at upgrading runways and attracting commercial flights into country areas.
In a pitch to rural voters, the funding will allow regional airport operators to apply for grants to improve runways, taxiways and provide better fencing.
The infrastructure upgrades would make it safer for big passenger planes to land on runways in cities such as Cairns, Newcastle, Launceston, Alice Springs, Coffs Harbour and Mildura.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the infrastructure upgrades, to be provided over four years, would allow more flights in and out of rural cities. “We want more people, especially families and small businesses, moving to and staying in the regions, and better connectivity through airports is a vital part of that plan,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Liberals and Nationals understand communities rely on safe and efficient air services for emergency and other essential service flights. This will help ensure regional airports meet the needs of communities and local industry now and into the future.
“We will work with regional communities to determine what airport works will provide most benefit.”
The funding builds on a $50m security upgrade to airports announced in last year’s budget.
Australian Airports Association chief executive Caroline Wilkie said many regional airports operated at a loss, leaving owners unable to spend money on infrastructure upgrades.
“This funding will start to address this funding shortfall and assist this essential infrastructure to continue servicing communities into the future,” she said.
The announcement comes as Scott Morrison has moved to placate disgruntled Nationals MPs by vowing to assess supporting a new coal-fired power station in central Queensland.
The budget will include more than $2 billion for improving the nation’s roads.
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