WA regional airports receive over $6m

The state government has committed more than $6 million towards upgrades at 30 regional airports across Western Australia.

The announcement is below:

Improvement works at 30 regional airports across the State will soon be under way, after the State Government made decisions on the allocation of grants totalling $6.73million for airport owners in the 2009-10 funding round.

Regional airports will receive funding through the Royalties for Regions program and the Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS) which have provided approximately $5million and $2million respectively towards ensuring sustainable aviation infrastructure to support continuous economic growth in the future.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said that the amount of funding for this round was the highest made available in the history of regional airport infrastructure development in Western Australia and would contribute significantly to the improvement of airport services throughout the State.

"This year, 30 regional airports will share more than $6.73million for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance of the airports enabling improved access for communities and providing safer emergency evacuations, and greater tourism opportunities," Mr O'Brien said.

"Since 1997, more than $21million of RADS funding has been committed to regional aviation infrastructure projects, with a total project value of over $58million," he said.

"The largest grants for the 2009-10 round are offered to Wyalkatchem ($1.8million) and Newman ($1.4million) for substantial upgrades to the runway and terminal facilities."

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said that the Royalties for Regions program provided a significant and much needed funding boost that has enabled a wider scope of projects to be eligible for funding.

"The funding was committed to building stronger regional communities, especially for people living in remote areas," Mr Grylls said.

"Regional airports will continue to play a vital part in supporting businesses and tourism in our beautiful State."