Vital funding for Southern Downs airport upgrades

July 29, 2021

Two aerodromes in the Southern Downs region will soon receive vital safety upgrades thanks to $276,360 in Federal Government funding, Maranoa MP David Littleproud announced today.

“Being connected to regional centres is vital for every remote community and I am pleased today to announce that Warwick and Stanthorpe will receive the aerodrome upgrades they need,” Mr Littleproud said.

The Warwick and Stanthorpe aerodromes are among 89 regional airports nationwide which will benefit from grants totalling nearly $30 million under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program.

“This project will complete a range of safety upgrades at the Warwick and Stanthorpe aerodromes, including staff training, fencing, lighting, removal of vegetation and works to the glider runway.

“These upgrades will keep operators, passengers and staff safe when touching down at Warwick or Stanthorpe.

“Keeping our regional airstrips in top-notch condition will help locals to remain well-connected, improve the delivery of goods and services and ensure emergency services continue to have quick and easy access to our towns.

“Every dollar spent on local infrastructure is a dollar well spent and I look forward to working with the community to deliver this vital funding as we continue recovering from the pandemic.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the program supports important safety and access upgrades for regional airports.

“We’ve committed $100 million over four years from 2019–20 to 2022–23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver upgrades to improve runway and taxiway pavements, install new lighting or fencing,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This is a great example of our Government backing the aviation industry whilst boosting local economies to help secure a stronger future for these regional areas.”

In total, Mr Littleproud secured $1.1 million through Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program, where upgrade works will also be carried out at the Millmerran, Kingaroy and Dalby aerodromes.

For a full list of successful projects and more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit infrastructure.gov.au/regionalaviation.