The Hon Michael McCormack MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Leader of The Nationals
Federal Member for Riverina
The Hon Michelle Landry MP
Federal Member for Capricornia
Neil Fisher
Acting Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council
MEDIA RELEASE
Rockhampton Airport has today landed $10.2 million in vital funding under the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Screening Infrastructure (RASI) grant program.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the funding would allow the Rockhampton Airport to deliver necessary infrastructure works so it’s ready to go as more passengers and air services take flight to and from Central Queensland.
“We know this is one of the toughest years our aviation sector will face, which is why our Government is continuing to work hard to deliver the support needed to keep our vital regional airports like Rockhampton Airport running and supporting their communities,” Ms Landry said.
“I am pleased to see Rockhampton Airport in Capricornia will receive $10.2 million in funding to help the airport meet the Australian Government’s security requirements for travellers.
“This is great news as we look to get more and more tourists into Central Queensland – supporting local aviation jobs, backing our hard-hit sectors like tourism and getting funds flowing across the community to drive our economic recovery.
“For passengers, over time as the program is implemented this will also mean those grant-funded screening costs don’t flow through to ticket prices, making it cheaper to visit friends, family and take a much-needed local holiday.
“We all know how vital Rockhampton Airport is to keep our community connected to services and other communities, get our local goods to markets and ensure our economy thrives now and into the future, which is why we continue to get funding like this out the door.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government was continuing to provide unprecedented support for the aviation industry, with a total of $66 million in grants under the program announced for eligible regional airports across the nation today.
“The aviation industry was one of the first and hardest-hit industries during COVID-19 and as we look to get even more planes back in the sky, we are continuing to support regional airports to ensure they bounce back strongly and can continue to connect our regions,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The RASI program is part of the Government’s $715 million COVID 19 Australian Airline Financial Relief Package, which has been offering much-needed relief to the sector since being announced in March 2020.
“It’s been a difficult year for the sector, it’s workers and those communities that rely on their local airports, but our message is clear – the Australian Government is committed to standing right there with them as we once again soar to new heights.
“That’s why we’ve taken fast and decisive action by committing more than $2.7 billion to maintaining aviation jobs and critical air connections, with funding having flowed from early on in the pandemic.
Acting Mayor Neil Fisher praised the Federal Government’s investment saying it would deliver benefits to the community and airport.
“On behalf of Council I’d like to thank Michelle and the Federal Government for this funding which will not only safeguard our community but the future of the airport too.
“It has been a tough year and when everything eventually returns to normal I look forward to everyone enjoying the new facilities Rockhampton Airport will have to offer,” Cr Fisher said.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is working closely with grantee airports to implement the RASI program.
