- 2025-27 round of the Regional Airports Development Scheme
now open
- Up to $3.8 million in funding available for regional and
remote airports in WA
- Funding supports improvements to aviation infrastructure,
planning and safety
The 2025-27 Regional
Airports Development Scheme (RADS) has opened for applications with up to $3.8
million available in grants to improve regional air services and safety.
Administered by the
Department of Transport, RADS grants are open to airport owners and support up
to 50 per cent of total costs for planning, safety and infrastructure projects
at regional and remote airports.
The 2023-25 round saw 22
regional airports awarded more than $4 million in funding.
Major projects supported
included:
- upgrades
to the Bremer Bay airstrip to allow better access for air services managing
bushfires;
- new
terminal at Laverton Airport; and
- improved
infrastructure to support Royal Flying Doctor Service emergency evacuations for
airstrips at Aboriginal communities Djarindjin-Lombadina in the Kimberley and
Kiwirrkurra in the Pilbara.
Over $53 million in RADS
funding has supported 326 regional and remote airport projects across Western Australia
since the program's inception.
The 2025-27 RADS grant
round opening comes in addition to a 2024-25 State Budget funding commitment of
$94 million by the Cook Labor Government in regional aviation initiatives.
This included a $64.6
million investment in the flagship Regional Aviation Zone Cap scheme to
continue capped airfares for regional residents, $21.3 million toward regional
airport upgrades and $8 million to the Aboriginal Community Airstrip Renewal
Program.
Applications for the
current RADS grant round close on Friday, 23 August. For more information or to
apply, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/RADS
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The next round of the Regional
Airports Development Scheme builds on the Labor Government's historic
investment in regional aviation, with $29.3 million committed to airport
infrastructure upgrades at the 2024-25 Budget.
"Our funding for airport
upgrades result in better safety and accessibility for regional and remote
residents, enabling them to connect to family and friends, health services and
business opportunities across Western Australia.
"The Labor Government's continued
investment in RADS is an important part of our overall commitment to aviation
initiatives that support economic development and growth in the regions."
Comments attributed to Acting Regional Development Minister Dr Tony
Buti:
"We know how important
air travel is for regional and remote communities, which is why we continue
investing in these programs that improve airport infrastructure.
"These grants complement
efforts to also make flying cheaper for regional residents, plus other
investments in regional airport upgrades and the Aboriginal Community Airstrip
Renewal Program."
