Owners and operators of aerodromes in remote Australia can now apply for funding for essential airstrip upgrades.
Up to $25 million is available through Round 12 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade (RAU) Program to improve airstrips in remote areas across Australia.
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $4 million are available for projects that improve aviation safety and accessibility, including:
- runway resurfacing
- lighting and fencing upgrades
- safety training
- construction of airside ambulance and passenger shelters.
Applications open on 25 August and close on 6 October 2026.
Remote airstrips play a vital role in connecting isolated communities to essential services, providing access to emergency medical flights, critical supplies and regional centres.
The latest funding round builds on more than $140 million already committed through the previous 11 rounds of the RAU Program which has funded 512 projects across Australia.
Find out more
- Read the Minister's media release
- Read the Round 12 guidelines