Australia’s regional airports have welcomed the second round of funding through the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program.
“COVID-19 has knocked regional airports for six pushing numbers down by more than 70%,” said James Goodwin, Australian Airports Association’s (AAA’s) Chief Executive, commenting on how this drop in passenger traffic had led to lost revenue of $7 million each month.
“To make it even more challenging, council-owned airports don’t have access to JobKeeper but they continue to stay open as a critical service for the regional communities which rely on them.
“This program will help regional airports deliver projects which have created long-term benefits, so communities can continue to connect to work, essential services, family and friends no matter where they live.”
He also underlined that regional airports will be able to take advantage of the reduction in aircraft activity by starting work on critical projects such as runway upgrades, taxiway improvements, new fencing and lighting.
Goodwin also added that, “Due to strong advocacy by the AAA, the Federal Government has changed the program guidelines so that local government and indigenous corporations with projects of $300,000 or less will be fully-funded by government rather than split 50:50.”
The AAA was instrumental in establishing the Regional Airports Program following its campaign to help policy makers recognise the unique challenges regional airports face and the need for infrastructure upgrades. Round two of the program follows a successful first round where 61 regional hubs shared in $41.2 million. Applications for funding will close on 15 December.
As Australia continues to relax its travel restrictions, airports across the country are calling for greater notice on border reopenings to allow them to prepare their facilities ahead of the anticipated influx of passengers over the Christmas period. With airports across the country only operating at around 11% capacity the AAA has stated that in order to get airports back up and running safely in line with the expected increase in passenger traffic requires adequate time to prepare.
