Cloncurry Airport in North West Queensland will receive much needed upgrades thanks to $10 million committed by the Albanese Government.
This commitment builds on $11.5 million in funding already provided jointly by the Australian and Queensland governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The airport suffered significant flood damage from weather events in late 2025 and early 2026.
While the Disaster Recovery funding delivered emergency repairs and flood resilience work to allow the airport to re-open, further upgrades are required to maintain regular passenger operations and ensure workers can access local mines.
Today’s funding announcement will provide Cloncurry Shire Council with the remaining funding needed to complete these upgrades and follows the Prime Minister and Treasurer’s recent visits to Cloncurry.
It will ensure the vital transport hub can continue to support aeromedical services, business travel, tourism and mining operations.
Quotes attributable to the Treasurer and Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers:
“We’re delivering these upgrades to keep Queensland’s regional economy moving.
“Having spent time in Cloncurry over the last few years, I understand the crucial role of the airport and the impact the damage is having on the local community”
“Cloncurry is an economic corridor for much of north Queensland’s mining, agriculture and resources sectors and this funding supports those businesses that make a significant contribution to our state and national economy.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“The Albanese Government knows how important airports are to remote regions such as Cloncurry, being not only a connection to other communities, but also to life-saving aeromedical services and economic opportunities.
“Cloncurry Airport is a FIFO hub, servicing a range of mining operations, with the Mt Isa smelter and Townsville refinery also relying on copper sourced from the region.
“Our additional funding boost towards these upgrades will ensure the airport can continue to operate these critical services, which will be welcome news to the region’s communities, businesses and industries relying on it.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
“The Cloncurry Airport is vital, servicing North West Queensland as a transport hub through which medical services, tourism, business, travel, and mining operations flow through.
“After extensive flooding in Cloncurry at the beginning of the year, the Albanese Government stepped in to ensure emergency repairs could get the airport back up and running as soon as possible.
“This funding boost goes even further, ensuring Cloncurry Shire Council can deliver the upgrades needed for regular passenger operations to continue, giving certainty to businesses and the local community.”
