The Gillard Government will invest in vital aerodrome and airstrip safety upgrades in 37 remote communities across the nation.

From Hope Vale to King Island, from Streaky Bay to Kalumburu and from Cobar to Norseman, remote communities across Australia will share in more than $6.1 million worth of safety upgrades.

It includes more than $2.1 million to relocate and construct an all-weather aerodrome at Lajamanu in the Northern Territory and major upgrades worth $935,000 at Oodnadatta in South Australia and $432,000 in Bamaga in Cape York.

This funding through Round Four of the Remote Aerodrome Safety Program will help upgrade critical aerodrome infrastructure at these remote communities, including runway resurfacing, fencing and lighting.

All up, the Government has invested nearly $20 million into 145 airstrips, delivering safety projects worth more than $39 million through this Program.

Local airstrips are a lifeline for remote communities. That is why we are investing in these upgrades to make sure they remain safe and accessible for aircraft.

Having a safe airstrip is absolutely critical for transporting food, medicine, mail, emergency and basic supplies and to fly doctors, teachers, nurses and residents in and out of remote communities.

This is particularly important where road access is unavailable, unreliable or disrupted for extended periods due to weather.

These investments are part of the Gillard Government’s strong commitment to regional, rural and remote communities.

For further information: www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/programs/aviation/rasp_programme.aspx