MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 08 February 2008 AA011/2008

$1 MILLION SAFETY UPGRADES AT REMOTE AIRSTRIPS Anthony Albanese, Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, today announced nearly $1 million in funding to improve safety and access for 25 airstrips in remote and isolated parts of Australia through the Remote Aerodrome Safety Program. Mr Albanese said, "People living in remote Australia deserve safe and well-maintained airstrips because they are a vital link to food, medical supplies, mail and essential personnel like teachers, doctors and nurses in remote Australia. "The Australian Government's $1 million funding will boost airstrip safety and help provide year-round all-weather access for the Royal Flying Doctors and other services through upgrades of fencing, lighting and the resurfacing of runways. "Remote Australia is a crucial part of the Australian economy and injects billions of dollars in agriculture and mining exports, jobs and infrastructure "And the Royal Flying Doctors have said that they need safe airstrips to provide medical assistance to children and adults in remote communities. "We are determined to help remote and regional Australians get access to basic services that many urban Australians take for granted. "The Australian Government's funding of $991,000 will kick start $2.2 million in projects to make remote airstrips safe, with an additional $619,000 contributed by State and Territory Governments and $554,000 from Local Councils," Mr Albanese said. Funding provided to eligible aerodromes under the RAS Program was based on the airports' individual need and safety program and determined in cooperation with relevant State, Territory and Local Governments and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Mr Albanese said, "The Australian Government will work closely with State, Territory and Local Governments to boost safety at remote airstrips. "The RAS Program will provide $20 million of Australian Government funding over the next four years to improve the safety of aerodromes in remote and isolated areas of Australia." Aerodrome funding details attached Media Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890 Aerodrome funding details Applicant State Aerodrome Project Scope Total Project Cost Aus Govt Funding Bourke Shire Council NSW Wanaaring Aerodrome Fencing and Lighting $130,000 $65,000 Bourke Shire Council NSW Louth Aerodrome Fencing and Lighting $130,000 $65,000 Bourke Shire Council NSW Bourke Aerodrome Fencing $240,000 $120,000 Warrumbungle Shire Council NSW Coolah Airfield PAL lighting $50,000 $25,000 Warrumbungle Shire Council NSW Baradine Airfield Fencing $24,000 $10,000 Ngaliwurru-Wuli Association Incorporated NT Bulla Aerodrome Fencing, Runway extension and Lighting $75,000 $37,500 Ramingining Community Council Inc NT Ramingining Aerodrome Solar Lighting $101,000 $50,500 Tiwi Island Local Government NT Bathurst Island Aerodrome Repair apron and improve drainage $100,000 $50,000 Bauhinia Shire Council QLD Springsure Aerodrome Seal turning nodes. Solar lighting $30,000 $15,000 Bauhinia Shire Council QLD Rolleston Airstrip Seal turning nodes. Widen taxiway. $30,000 $15,000 Cook Shire Council QLD Coen Aerodrome Fencing $16,060 $8,030 Jericho Shire Council QLD Alpha Aerodrome Fencing $180,000 $60,000 Murweh Shire Council QLD Augathella Aerodrome Solar Lighting $25,740 $12,850 Murweh Shire Council QLD Augathella Aerodrome Resealing of airstrip $85,000 $28,335 Tambo Shire Council QLD Tambo Aerodrome Fencing, Turn around repairs and Lighting $120,656 $40,000 Torres Shire Council QLD Horn Island Airport Patient transfer walkway $12,000 $6,000 Aboriginal Lands Trust (SA) SA Yalata Aerodrome Resealing of runway $165,000 $82,500 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Services Aboriginal Corporation SA Kenmore Park Airstrip Repair apron and improve drainage $31,500 $15,750 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Services Aboriginal Corporation SA Umuwa Airstrip Repair apron and improve drainage $28,500 $14,250 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Services Aboriginal Corporation SA Murputja Airstrip Fencing $75,000 $37,500 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Services Aboriginal Corporation SA Mount Davies Airstrip Fencing $85,000 $42,500 Oak Valley (Maralinga) Inc SA Oak Valley Aerodrome Lighting and Taxiway repair $36,500 $13,250 Outback Areas Community Development Trust SA Manna Hill Airstrip Lighting and extend runway $188,500 $94,250 King Island Council TAS King Island Aerodrome Fencing $89,771 $44,805 Portframe Enterprises Pty Ltd WA Gnaraloo Airstrip Resealing of runway $114,400 $38,000       Total $2,163,627 $991,020   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2008/February/AA011_2008.htm