6 August, 2021
Region will soon be ready for take off
The Pittsworth and Millmerran Airfields are about to receive much needed upgrades after securing funding from the Federal Government.
The two airfields are among 89 regional airports nationwide that will benefit from grants totalling nearly
$30 million under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program.
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.
“For our regional communities, the local airport provides an essential link to the rest of Australia,” the Deputy Prime Minister 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 deliver upgrades to improve runway and taxiway pavements, install new lighting or fencing.
“These projects will improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers, the delivery of goods and services and better meet the operational requirements of aeromedical and other emergency services, including supporting bushfire preparedness.”
Federal Member for Groom Garth Hamilton said the Pittsworth Airfield will receive $264,150 of grant funding to upgrade the runway pavement and install solar emergency lighting.
“Pittsworth Airfield is an important part of our region’s aviation network,” Mr Hamilton said.
“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,” Mr Hamilton said.
Maranoa MP David Littleproud said Millmerran’s Airfield will also receive funding totalling $265,950 to improve its safety and ensure the community stays well connected.
“Works at the Millmerran aerodrome will resurface the sealed runway, apron and taxiway and install emergency lighting to help make night landings and take-offs safer,” he said.
“Keeping our regional airstrips in top-notch condition will help locals to remain well-connected, improve the delivery of good and services and ensure emergency services continue to have quick
and easy access to our towns.”
It is still unknown if Toowoomba Regional Council will also be contributing additional funding to assist with the upgrades.
For a full list of successful projects and more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit infrastructure.gov.au/regionalaviation
