New funding is now available for safety upgrades at regional airports as part of the Federal Coalition Government's $100 million Regional Airports Program.
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Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the new round of grants are designed to deliver safer infrastructure at local airports in regional communities.
"From the terminal to the taxiway, people in the New England deserve the same level of safety when travelling to regional destinations as their city counterparts," Mr Joyce said.
"This funding will help facilitate that by delivering the airport infrastructure needs of country communities and local industry now and into the future."
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Owners and operators of any regional airport who can identify a real need for an upgrade are urged to make an application under Round 1 when they open on October 24. Applications will remain open until December 12 to provide communities with the time needed to make strong proposals.
Mr Joyce said the new funding complemented millions of dollars in upgrades to airports and associated infrastructure across the New England.
This includes, he said, $3.5 million to refurbish Armidale's airport terminal; $1 million for its nearby highway roundabout; $2 million for a new aircraft instrument landing system at Tamworth; and $4.5 million to build a five-way roundabout outside the airport's entrance.
"It's all helping to support the growing demand on our busy regional airports, and drive economic growth in the New England," Mr Marshall said.
Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, said the guidelines would be available shortly, giving airport owners and operators more information on their eligibility for the program.
"For many regional communities, the local airport provides an essential link to the rest of Australia," Mr McCormack said.
"That's why we've committed $100 million over four years from 2019-20 to 2022-23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia."
Caroline Wilkie, CEO of the Australian Airports Association, welcomed the announcement.
"Our regional airports are the lifeblood of their communities, and this funding will help them meet the needs of local people and businesses for years to come," Ms Wilkie said.
Funding guidelines and other information will be available shortly via www.business.gov.au/assistance/regional-airports-program, or by calling 13 28 46.
