Regional and remote airports across Western Australia have shared in over $2.6 million in Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS) grants for the 2019-20 round.
The RADS grants, funded through the Department of Transport, will provide vital funding to help improve infrastructure and safety at 26 of WA’s regional airports this year.
Projects funded in this round include runway resealing, upgrading airstrip lighting for night landings, installation of fencing and nets to keep animals out, developing airport master plans and improving operational safety and facilities for the Royal Flying Doctor Service operations.
The Goldfields-Esperance region has received the largest grant amount, with nearly $800,000 going to four airports.
Meanwhile, Laverton Airport received the largest overall grant (more than $350,000) to build an additional taxiway and aircraft parking area to accommodate substantial air traffic growth at the airport.
The total value of RADS grants by region is below:
- Gascoyne $532,735
- Goldfields-Esperance $793,391
- Great Southern $137,287
- Kimberley $345,343
- Mid-West $396,315
- Pilbara $12,506
- South-West $166,120
- Wheatbelt $264,207
In the last 10 years, 283 regional airport projects have been granted more than $42 million in RADS funding, helping transform regional airports across WA.
Visit https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/RADS for full grant recipients.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“This round of RADS grants has gone to a huge range of projects.
“Funding in this year’s grants round has wider benefits to each of the successful communities through better medical access, improved access for fire services and helping to alleviate issues like delays.
“This year we’re funding projects like the patient transfer facility and clinical space at Tallinup Airport, and improving water bomber aircraft facilities at Northam and Narrogin airports to enhance firefighting capabilities in the Wheatbelt.
“We know that maintaining and upgrading regional airport infrastructure can be costly for airport owners – RADS grants help provide a funding contribution that can have huge impacts for these communities.
“Remote airstrips like Tjuntjuntjara, Coral Bay, Fitzroy Crossing and Parnngurr Community, are crucial for emergency and medical evacuations by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“RADS funding is hugely important for these airstrips, with grants this round going to upgrading runway lighting and infrastructure; and improving safety and efficiency for medical evacuations, particularly at night.”
Minister’s office – 6552 5500
