Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program – Round 12

The program helps strengthen the delivery of essential goods and services, including healthcare, food supplies, community mail and passenger transport, while complementing services delivered under the Australian Government's Remote Air Services Subsidy Scheme and supporting the operational requirements of aeromedical and emergency services, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Funding is available for:

• Airstrip and pavement upgrades to improve all-weather capability and aircraft safety, including sealing, re-sealing, re-sheeting, repair, restoration, reconstruction and drainage works.
• Aerodrome safety improvements such as animal fencing, markers, navigational aids, hazard reduction measures, operational manuals and training for key personnel.
• Night-time operation infrastructure including runway and taxiway lighting, power supplies for aerodrome lighting and pilot activated lighting control systems.
• Accessibility improvements for people with disability, including ramps, signage, boarding facilities and other modifications that improve access to air services.
• Basic airside ambulance and passenger shelters to support patient health during transit.
• Other eligible activities that align with the program's objectives and outcomes.

Eligible expenditure may include employee and contractor costs, aviation safety-related training, capital equipment and infrastructure, construction materials, engineering design and tendering costs, contingency and escalation costs of up to 10% of eligible project costs, and independent audit expenses.

Grants of up to $4 million are available.

Funding will generally support up to 50% of eligible project costs. However:

• Funding may be limited to up to one-third of eligible project costs where additional government or third-party funding is contributed to the project.
• Indigenous-owned and/or operated aerodromes may be eligible for funding covering up to 100% of eligible project costs.

Applicants must:

• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN);
• Own and/or operate an existing aerodrome located in a remote area of Australia; and
• Be one of the following:
  • Incorporated Australian entities;
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations;
  • Incorporated trustees on behalf of a trust;
  • Incorporated associations;
  • Incorporated not-for-profit organisations;
  • Local government agencies or bodies;
  • State or territory government agencies, authorities or statutory corporations; or
  • Corporate Commonwealth entities.

Applications close 6 October 2026.