Owners of remote airports and airstrips can now apply for a new round of funding for essential upgrades as part of the RAU Program.
$25 million has been made available under Round 11 of the program to improve the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in remote areas of Australia.
Remote airstrips provide critical access for our remote communities, including urgent supplies and life-saving emergency flights, and connect remote residents to regional centres.
Works may include sealing or resealing runways to ensure air operators can land safely without damaging aircraft, or lighting to allow aircraft to safely land at night in an emergency.
Upgrades can also include drainage works to prevent flooding or erosion of runway surfaces or installing fencing to prevent animals entering the airport.
The program also funds safety related training for key operational personnel.
The Australian Government committed $50 million in the 2024-25 Budget to deliver an additional two rounds of the RAU Program.
Applications for Round 11 are open from 4 November until 13 December for grants of between $5,000 and $4 million covering 50 per cent of eligible costs, or up to 100 per cent for Indigenous owned and or operated aerodromes that meet certain requirements.
Round 11 of the RAU Program has been expanded to support improved access to air services for people with a disability. This may include items such as ramps, signage and/or provision of aircraft boarding facilities.
