Airports across the Maranoa electorate will benefit from vital upgrades thanks to more than $2 million in federal funding.
Funding from round four of the federal government’s Regional Airports Program has provided Maranoa Regional Council with $1,159,043 to carry out upgrades of the general aviation apron at Roma Airport, to support reliable and safer access for aero-medical, firefighting, charter, freight, tourism and other general aviation services.
Also benefiting from the latest round of the program is Southern Downs Regional Council, which will
receive $426,196 to upgrade the lighting system at Stanthorpe Aerodrome, to meet safety standards and improve usability by aircraft – especially during low visibility conditions and night operations.
The projects are part of $6 million from the latest round of the program, which will go towards 11 regional airports across Queensland.
These funds come on the back of round four of the federal government’s Remote Airstrip Upgrade
Program, which provided $503,752 for upgrades to six airstrips in some of the Maranoa’s most remote areas, as well as a further $142,500 to the Royal Flying Doctors Service for upgrades to five its facilities in Maranoa.
Leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the funding was most welcome as air travel is a necessity of living in regional, rural and remote Australia.
“Travelling vast distances is a fact of life in our Maranoa electorate and as a result, air transport is needed to allow locals to attend medical appointments, conduct business and visit loved ones.
“Therefore, ensuring our electorate’s airports, airstrips and aerodromes are up to standard is vital,” Mr Littleproud said.
“That’s why it is particularly pleasing to see these two vital projects receive funding from the latest round of the Regional Airports Program.
“I’m confident these upgrades will play a vital role in supporting the future growth of the Roma and
Stanthorpe communities.”
Projects funded by round four of the federal government’s Regional Airports Program:
• $1,159,043: Maranoa Regional Council for upgrades of the general aviation apron at Roma Airport.
• $426,196: Southern Downs Regional Council to upgrade the lighting system at Stanthorpe
Aerodrome.
Projects funded by round four of the federal government’s Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program:
• $245,000: Barcaldine Regional Council for resurfacing works at Alpha Airstrip.
• $132,967: Bulloo Shire Council for upgrades to the lighting system at Thargomindah Airstrip.
• $49,000: Diamantina Shire Council for filling and levelling areas of water pooling with asphalt
corrector course at Birdsville Airstrip.
• $29,000: Paroo Shire Council to increase the length of the runway and install exclusion fencing at
Eulo Airstrip.
• $24,285: Barcaldine Regional Council for new lighting along the runway at Muttaburra Airstrip.
• $23,500: Murweh Shire Council to install new animal-proof fencing at Morven Airstrip.
• $42,500: Royal Flying Doctors Service to install new lighting at Durham Downs.
• $42,500: Royal Flying Doctors Service to install new lighting at Epsilon Station.
• $42,500: Royal Flying Doctors Service to install new lighting at Hungerford Airstrip.
• $7500: Royal Flying Doctors Service to install new lighting at Naryilco Station.
• $7500: Royal Flying Doctors Service to install new lighting at Orientos Station.
ENDS
