The Albanese Government has opened Round 12 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade (RAU) Program, with up to $25 million available to upgrade airstrips in remote Australia.
The RAU covers up to 50 per cent of project costs, capped at a maximum of $4 million for eligible works. For Indigenous owned or operated aerodromes that meet eligibility guidelines, grants may cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project works.
Works may include safety improvements such as resealing or re-sheeting aircraft pavements, lighting, fencing, aviation safety training or basic airside ambulance and passenger shelters.
Funding can also cover costs for airstrip accessibility upgrades, including installation of ramps, signage or other modifications to improve access for people with disability.
The $25 million made available through this round builds on more than $140 million already committed through the previous eleven rounds of the RAU which has funded 512 projects across Australia.
Applications for the program are now open and close on 6 October 2026.
Eligibility guidelines and program information for Round 12 can be found here.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:
“As a government we are so proud to continue funding the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, now into its twelfth round.
“The total number of projects funded has ticked over 500, which is a significant achievement.
“And we know there’s plenty more airstrips across our vast nation that could do with support to upgrade their facilities to improve safety and services.
“The RAUP is another example of our commitment to remote Australia, and delivering the resilient infrastructure that communities need, and businesses require.”
