Group of regional cities call mayday for regional airport funding

Regional airports should be kept front of mind in the upcoming Federal budget, according to Regional Capitals Australia. The group — an association of regional councillors and staff — has warned local governments will not be able to foot the bill of rising maintenance costs, which threatens to further impact their tourism and wider economy. According to the organisation, 60 per cent of airports in regional Australia operate at a loss due to ageing infrastructure, staffing costs and a rising cost of regulation. Regional Capitals Australia chair Kylie King said regional airports were under threat without more funding. “Unfortunately, regional councils are feeling the pinch due to increasing costs of delivery across the board, and they can no longer afford to pick up the shortfall,” she said. “The Western Australian regional airports of Bunbury, Busselton, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Karratha, Broome and Port Hedland provide a critical role in border protection, medivac, defence and disaster response. “It’s only reasonable that the Federal Government contribute to their ongoing operations. “We are concerned that unless the Federal Government steps in, Western Australia’s regional airports will be deemed unviable, putting the handbrake on regional growth and our nation’s health and security at risk.” Previous funding from the Federal Government came in the 2019-20 budget and was worth almost $100 million in three rounds of grants over four years. Of that funding, only $6.4 million was given to Western Australia. Albany received $2 million of the funds for resurfacing its runway, taxiway and apron. The Busselton Margaret River Airport was the next biggest winner, receiving almost $519,000 for a dedicated emergency services precinct, improved fencing and an expansion of the apron.