Pasin backs local airports and calls for long-term support for regional aviation

Pasin backs local airports and calls for long-term support for regional aviation

Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP is encouraging airport operators and local councils across Barker to apply for available Commonwealth funding while warning that regional airports continue to face growing financial pressure from increasing government regulatory and security requirements.

Mr Pasin said regional airports are essential infrastructure that regional communities rely upon every day for healthcare, emergency services, freight, tourism and business connectivity.

“Our regional airports are economic lifelines for local communities and deserve ongoing support,” Mr Pasin said.

There is a consistent message from airport operators and local councils across the country that maintaining regional airports is becoming increasingly difficult and increasingly expensive under this Labor Government.

Growing security requirements, regulatory compliance obligations and operational costs are placing significant pressure on councils and airport operators who are already working with limited resources.

“Many regional airports are owned and operated by local councils that simply do not have the ratepayer base to absorb ever-increasing government regulatory and security imposts.”

“Regional airports are not luxuries. In many communities they provide critical access for medical transfers, emergency services, freight movements, tourism and local business.”

The current funding round is expected to be the final round of the program, given the federal budget contained no additional funds, creating uncertainty for regional airports that rely on ongoing Commonwealth assistance to maintain safe and operational facilities.”

Mr Pasin encouraged eligible airports and aerodromes to consider applying for Round 5 of the Regional Airports Program.

The program provides grants of between $20,000 and $5 million for projects including runway upgrades, lighting, fencing, accessibility improvements, safety infrastructure, training and works supporting future aviation technologies.

Applications close on 28 July 2026.

Further information is available at: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-airports-program-round-5