Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell and Quirindi airports will benefit from upgrades funded under Round 2 of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s Regional Airports Program.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the projects would upgrade runways, taxiways, lighting and emergency services facilities.

“In Armidale, $300,000 in federal funding will deliver an airside aircrew rest facility for emergency services, access gates, aircraft tie-downs and other improvements,” Mr Joyce said.

“In Tamworth, a further $300,000 will fund reconstruction and sealing of the taxiway pavement, improving safety and access.

“Inverell will receive over $278,000 for runway lighting upgrades, new wind indicators and a backup generator to support crucial aviation operations, while Quirindi will benefit from almost $300,000 for runway pavement repairs.

"Every dollar spent on local infrastructure is a dollar well spent and I look forward to working with the community to deliver this vital funding as we continue recovering from the pandemic.”

Mr Joyce said the program supports important safety and access upgrades for regional airports.

For our regional communities, the local airport provides an essential link to the rest of Australia,” he said.

"That's why we’ve committed $100 million over four years from 2019–20 to 2022–23 to deliver upgrades to improve runway and taxiway pavements, install new lighting or fencing at regional airports.

"These projects will improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers, the delivery of goods and services and better meet the operational requirements of aeromedical and other emergency services, including supporting bushfire preparedness.

"This is a great example of the Nationals in government backing the aviation industry while boosting local economies to help secure a stronger future for our regional areas,” Mr Joyce said.

For more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit infrastructure.gov.au/regionalaviation.