General News
15 October, 2025
North West airports receive important funding for upgrades
The local airports and aerodromes are the lifeblood for many remote communities.
North West airports and airstrips will be among the biggest winners in Australia after the federal government handed out almost $25 million in funding to 42 remote communities for aviation facilities.
Round 11 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program will allow these airports to deliver safety and access works specific to their priority needs, including runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage works.
Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council will receive more than $2 million to reseal and mark the airstrip, as well as upgrade runway lighting and enhance the airport’s weather station.
Burke Shire Council was awarded almost $500,000 to upgrade the aerodrome at Gregory.
Croydon, Georgetown, Forsyth and Bedourie were also included in the latest round of funding.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said safe and reliable airstrip access was crucial in many remote communities and townships, many of which experience regular isolation due to unpredictable or extreme weather.
“To a remote region, town or community, an airstrip is more than a straight, paved runway,” he said.
“It’s a lifeline to a community in need, it’s the connection to the major centres, it’s a source of food, household essentials and health.
“Following recent flooding in many parts of remote Queensland and other parts of our country, delivering more resilient transport infrastructure like this is essential.
“The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, now in its 11th round, has funded so many crucial upgrades to airports across the great expanse of Australia – with this latest round ensuring even more of these connections remain and communities can thrive.”
LOCAL RECIPIENTS
Doomadgee Airport: $2,050,030 – Reseal and line-mark airstrip, upgrade runway lighting, enhance airport weather station and undertake airport reporting officer training.
Gregory Aerodrome: $492,500 – Spray seal of runway 17/35 connecting to taxiway and apron, and line-marking.
Croydon Aerodrome: $380,000 – Runway, taxiway and apron resurfacing and installation of low-intensity runway lighting system.
Forsyth Airstrip: $350,000 – Installation of animal exclusion fencing, lighting system upgrade to solar LED and tie-down system upgrade.
Georgetown Airport: $300,000 – Installation of animal exclusion fencing, sealed surface rolling, and tie-down cable replacement.
Bedourie Airport: $163,746 – Reseal runway cracks and re-gravel runway edges.