Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program – Round 12

The Australian Government announced a total of $50 million for two further rounds of the program. For this grant opportunity, $25 million is available.

Grants from $5,000 to $4 million are available.

The grant amount will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, unless either:

the applicant and a third party (including state, territory or local government or other non-government funding) are both contributing to eligible project costs, in which case the grant may be reduced to a third of eligible project costs
the applicant meets the definition of an Indigenous Owned and/or Operated Aerodrome, in which case the grant will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs.

Applications close: 6 October 2026

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The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program enhances the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in remote and very remote areas of Australia. Safe, operational aerodromes are vital for delivering essential goods and services to remote communities, particularly where road access is unavailable, unreliable or disrupted for extended periods due to seasonal weather. Improved airstrips support aeromedical services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, strengthen access to work and education opportunities, and better connect remote communities.

Round 12 also places emphasis on improving access to air services for people with disability, supporting an accessible whole of aviation journey from remote airstrips through to a passenger's planned destination.

Key Requirements

Applicants must hold an ABN and be an owner and/or operator of an existing aerodrome or airport located in a remote or very remote area of Australia, as defined by the latest Australian Statistical Geographic Standard Remoteness Area.

Applicants must provide evidence from their board or council (or CEO or equivalent where there is no board) confirming the project is supported by the organisation and that the organisation will accept responsibility for completing the project and meeting costs not covered by grant funding. Where the applicant is not the owner of the aerodrome, confirmation of owner support to undertake the project is required.

Projects must have at least $5,000 in eligible expenditure and be aimed at enhancing the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in remote and very remote areas. Applications seeking over $1 million must also provide co-funding information, quotes and cost breakdowns, and written support from the relevant state or territory transport department for the proposal and use of a project manager.

Detailed eligibility conditions, application forms and supporting documentation are set out in the official program guidelines, which applicants should review in full before preparing a submission.

What is eligible for funding?

All weather capability and aircraft safety

Sealing, re-sealing and re-sheeting of aircraft pavements
Repair, restoration and reconstruction of airstrips, taxiways and aprons
Airstrip drainage works
Basic airside ambulance and passenger shelters

Aerodrome safety for aircraft operations

Installation or restoration of animal fencing
Provision of markers and navigational aids
Works to reduce safety hazards
Safety-related operational and training manuals and training for key operational personnel

Night time operations

Installation of runway and taxiway lighting
Provision of power for aerodrome lighting
Installation of Pilot Activated Lighting Control systems

Disability access

Installation of ramps, signage and modifications to improve disability access
Provision of aircraft boarding facilities enabling an accessible whole of aviation journey

Eligible expenditure includes contractor costs, employee costs directly related to core project elements, aviation-safety related staff training, capital expenditure for assets, materials, tender design and process costs, contingency and escalation costs up to 10 per cent, and independent audit costs.

What companies are eligible for funding?

To be eligible, applicants must hold an ABN, be an owner and/or operator of an existing aerodrome or airport, and be one of the following:

An entity incorporated in Australia
An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth)
An incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
An incorporated association
An incorporated not-for-profit organisation
An Australian local government agency or body
An Australian state or territory government agency or body, including relevant statutory corporations
A corporate Commonwealth entity

State agencies or other eligible entities may apply on behalf of aerodrome owners and operators as lead applicant in a joint application, excluding Indigenous Owned and/or Operated Aerodromes seeking 100 per cent funding.

Individuals, partnerships, trusts (other than incorporated trustees), non-corporate Commonwealth entities, organisations listed on the National Redress Scheme non-participating institutions list, and employers of 100 or more employees not compliant with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 are not eligible.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here.

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant is open

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