Country airports to benefit from Royalties for Regions
Author: Mia Davies
Published on: 01-July-2010
Member for the Agricultural Region, Mia Davies, has welcomed the State Government’s announcement of successful recipients in the latest round of the Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS).
Almost $7 million was allocated to RADS, including $5.5 million from Royalties for Regions.
Airports across the Agricultural region will receive RADS funding for improvement works, including Geraldton, Corrigin, Cunderdin, Kondinin, Dalwallinu, Varley, Wyalkatchem and Wagin.
Ms Davies said she was pleased to see RADS funding allocated to improving so many airports across the State.
“Our regional airports play a vital link to the city for those living in isolated areas. From business and health to tourism and leisure, it is important that we continue to maintain and improve these important facilities,” Ms Davies said.
“It’s excellent to see a large number of airports receive funding. Not only will this be used for maintenance works, but some communities will also be utilising RADS to develop the future direction of their airport.”
This round of funding is the highest in the history of the RADS programme, and will contribute significantly to improving services in country towns.
Since 1997, more than $28 million has been committed by the State Government to regional aviation infrastructure projects, with a total project value of more than $83 million.
Airports in the Agricultural region have been awarded RADS funding for the following projects.
- Geraldton: Review the airport masterplan in line with the “City of Geraldton-Greenough Plan for the Future”
- Corrigin: Increase the apron size and replace the wind direction indicator to comply with Royal Flying Doctor Service specifications, upgrade the apron lighting and construct a new patient transfer facility
- Cunderdin: Create a commercial aviation precinct development plan.
- Kondinin: Install animal-proof fencing and lockable security gates for entry and exit of the airport runway
- Nugadong (Dalwallinu): Resurface the runway, construct a patient transfer facility and erect a kangaroo-proof fence
- Varley – Kulin: Reconstruct the gravel surface, drainage systems and replace markers
- Wyalkatchem: Design and build facilities including a terminal, runways, taxiways and aprons
- Wagin: Create an airport masterplan and construct new east/west runway
