The Australian Government will invest almost $12 million to upgrade regional airports across NSW.

The funding, which is provided under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, will deliver upgrades such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage.

In Merimbula, Bega Valley Shire Council will receive almost $3.8 million to deliver stage two of Merimbula Airport’s runway extension. This will construct an 80m pavement extension at both ends of the runway, providing an 1800m runway take-off length.

The extended length will enable larger narrow-bodied aircraft to land, supporting emergency services including larger firefighting and military aircraft, as well as additional capacity for passenger services, boosting the economy and tourism and protecting the region’s community.

Further north, in Moruya, Eurobodalla Shire Council will receive more than $200,000 to reseal the runway, taxiways and apron pavement and replace the apron lighting at Moruya Airport.

Works will support the continued use of the airport by emergency services, including the RFDS and aerial fire-fighting even for night and low visibility operations, as well as regular passenger services.

Other works to be funded under Round 4 include:

  • $5 million for Albury City Council to deliver a full runway overlay to improve safety and strengthen the surface for larger aircraft to land at Albury Airport. This will support visitor levels and emergency services, particularly during bushfire season; 
  • $1 million for Moree Plains Shire Council to upgrade the aeromedical apron, taxiway and parking bays at Moree Regional Airport, creating a 24-hour aeromedical facility;
  • Almost $500,000 for Griffith City Council to replace the ageing runway lights at Griffith Regional Airport, which is critical for safety and ongoing operations, especially for RFDS and NSW Air Ambulance;
  • $220,000 for Mid-Western Regional Council to upgrade stormwater drainage at Mudgee Regional Airport, which has experienced prolonged closure due to heavy rain affecting passenger and emergency medical flights;

For more information on the Regional Airports Program click here.

Pictured: Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick joined, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips for the announcement at Merimbula Airport.

NSW Government supports Rex sale process

Following the announcement of the Round 4 recipients of the Regional Airports Program, the Australian Government also confirmed it will work with the administrators of Regional Express Holdings (Rex) during its upcoming sale process to ensure regional aviation services continue beyond 30 June 2025.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian Government would discuss potential support with shortlisted bidders to maximise the prospect of a successful sale. A waiver of the “use it or lose it” test for Rex regional flight slots at Sydney Airport has also been issued to ensure Rex's access to the slots until 24 October 2026.

"Regional Australians deserve access to quality and crucial regional aviation services," he said.

“We are working collaboratively with the administrators of REX to ensure that regional services continue beyond June 2025, including looking at what support the Commonwealth can provide.

“Regional Australians can be assured that our Government will continue to fight to ensure these regional airfares remain available.”

In the event there is no sale, the Australian Government said it will consider acquiring Rex.

Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Managing Director Peter Shelley said: “This is an important step towards securing reliable and affordable domestic air services, which are vital to those living in regional communities and for domestic and international visitors looking to experience Australia’s unique regional destinations."

Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) CEO Dean Long said: "If we allow Rex to collapse, it’s going to lead to even higher prices for regional communities, but critically also a huge loss of connectivity, which will have a significant impact on their economies.”

Australian Airports Association (AAA) CEO Simon Westaway said: “Air connectivity is a lifeline for regional and rural Australia [and] it is essential that governments and industry work together to secure sustainable air services for the future.”

Learn more here.