David Littlerpoud MP David Littlerpoud

Maranoa MP: Smoother ride, more efficient connectivity coming to Aramac and Blackall airstrips

May 6, 2020

The Aramac and Blackall airstrips will be set for smoother take-offs and landings once runway resealing and fencing upgrades are completed with a $164,358 Federal Governmnet investment through the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program (RAUP), Maranoa MP David Littleproud said today.

“One of my top goals as the Member for Maranoa is to improve our connectivity and infrastructure – these upgrades at Aramac and Blackall’s aerdrome’s are going to give all pilots and travellers safer, more secure access to other centres, businesses and facilities,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Stopping livestock, feral pigs and kangaroos from getting on the Blackall Aerodrome runway is an important safety goal, and the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council will make use of $109,358 for exclusion fencing.

“At the Aramac Aerodrome, extensive runway resealing will be carried out with $55,000 to make flights smoother upon landing and take-off.

“Upgrades like this mean that Aramac and Blackall residents will continue to have improved access to larger centres and essential services like the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“I am looking forward to working with the councils to ensure we deliver the essential airstrip works these communities need.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said funding under the RAUP will enhance the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in remote areas and improve delivery of essential goods and services including health care.

“We are investing in the future of regional communities by delivering better and safer access for regional Australians needing to travel,” Mr McCormack said.

 

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said the upgrades, being funded across Australia, would make remote airstrips safer and more accessible in all conditions.

“Eligible projects can include upgrading runway surfaces, stormwater drainage, runway lighting and animal proof fencing,” Mr Hogan said.

For more information on the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/regional/raug.aspx.

Across Maranoa, under Round Seven of RAUP, $729,656 has been invested.

Maranoa-wide projects:

LOCATION UPGRADES
Augathella Airstrip 300 metre runway extension
Aramac Airstrip Reseal Aramac Airstrip
Adavale Airstrip Fencing
Birdsville Aerodrome Rejuvenate airstrip surface and crack seal
Blackall Aerodrome Fencing
Taylors Plains, north of Mungallala Upgrade black soil airstrip to all-weather with a fence, solar lights
Ilfracombe airport Install vermin-proof fencing
Isisford airport Install solar taxi-way lights

 

ENDS