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Regional Airports Program

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Funding of up to $7.5 million to support and improve the safety, accessibility and climate resilience of airports and aerodromes in regional areas of Australia.

What is the Regional Airports Program?

The Regional Airports Program (RAP) was first introduced in the 2019-20 Budget, with funding allocated through to 2024-25. As part of the 2024-25 Budget, the program received additional funding and will now continue for another three years, from 2024-25 to 2026-27.

The program’s key objective is to enhance the safety and accessibility of regional airports and aerodromes across Australia. It aims to support airport owners and operators in carrying out critical works that improve aviation safety, enhance access for regional communities, bolster climate resilience, and help air services transition to net zero emissions.

RAP level of support

  • Minimum grant amount of $20,000
  • Maximum grant amount of $7.5 million.
  • Up to 50% of eligible project costs

Note: Unless both the applicant and a third party (such as state, territory, or local government) are contributing to the eligible project costs. In such cases, the grant may be reduced to cover one-third of eligible project costs.

Co-contribution requirements:

  • Co-contribution is required, and applicants must cover the remaining eligible and ineligible project costs from their own funds or other non-Commonwealth sources. Contributions can include cash or in-kind support, but in-kind contributions (e.g., volunteer labour or donated materials) will not count toward the grantee’s agreed cash contribution.

RAP important dates

  • Closing Date: 18 November 2024, 5:00 PM AEDT
  • Expected Project Start Date: March 2025
  • Project Completion Date: No later than 30 April 2027
  • Register your interest with GrantHelper

RAP objectives and outcomes

The program aims to improve the safety and accessibility of airports or aerodromes in regional Australia. It supports essential works that promote aviation safety, community access, and resilience to climate change, and assists air services in transitioning to net zero emissions. The intended outcomes include:

  • Improved safety for aircraft, operators, and passengers.
  • Enhanced delivery of essential goods and services (e.g., food, healthcare).
  • Better connectivity between regional areas and global market opportunities.
  • Support for aeromedical, firefighting, and other emergency services.
  • Transitioning air services to net zero technology.

Projects and expenditure eligible for RAP support

Eligible activities must relate directly to improving safety, accessibility, or supporting the transition to net zero. Some of the eligible activities include:

  • Sealing, re-sealing, or strengthening runways and taxiways.
  • Repairing or reconstructing airstrips, aprons, or airside drainage systems.
  • Installing or restoring animal fencing, navigational aids, or lighting for night operations.
  • Works to support the use of sustainable aviation fuel, electric chargers, or hydrogen refuelling facilities.

Ineligible expenditures:

  • Salaries for existing staff not directly employed on the project.
  • Costs associated with terminals, hangars, or non-airside infrastructure.
  • Routine operational expenses (e.g., administrative overheads, postage).
  • Landside infrastructure such as commercial development or non-essential buildings.

Other Regional Airports Program important details that you will need to know

Eligible applicants include:

  • Owners and operators of existing aerodromes or airports in regional Australia.
  • Australian local government agencies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations, and incorporated bodies.
  • Entities with aerodromes classified as Inner or Outer Regional under the Australian Statistical Geographic Standard.

 

1. Demonstrated Need (50 points):

  • Explain the need for improved access, safety, and all-weather capability of the aerodrome.
  • Justify how the project supports aeromedical or firefighting services.
  • Provide evidence of how critical the project is and why it cannot proceed without grant funding.

 

2. Capacity and Capability (25 points):

  • Demonstrate the applicant’s experience in managing similar projects.
  • Outline the project plan, including risk management, procurement, and budgeting strategies.
  • Explain how the outcomes will be maintained beyond the grant period.

 

3. Impact of Funding (25 points):

  • Highlight the benefits to the community, including alignment with government priorities such as climate resilience and First Nations outcomes.
  • Detail the level of co-funding or third-party investment the project will leverage.

 

Applicants must:

  • Read and understand the guidelines.
  • Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
  • Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
  • Provide complete information requirements.

 

Applicants should prepare:

  • Project plans and timelines.
  • Detailed budgets, including co-funding arrangements.
  • Evidence of the project’s importance, such as inspection or engineering reports.

 

See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.

Applications must be submitted through the online portal at portal.business.gov.au.

Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.

RAP resources

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