Regional airports face threat to tourism and business if Federal funding doesn’t cover costs in Geraldton

The City of Greater Geraldton is part of a lobbying bid pleading for Federal Government funding to upkeep regional and rural airports. Regional Capitals Australia — an association of regional councillors and staff across Australia — warn local governments are not able to pay for airport maintenance costs, threatening local tourism. According to the organisation, 60 per cent of airports in regional Australia operate at a loss due to ageing infrastructure, staffing costs and rising regulation costs. City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said: “Federal funding forms an important component in allowing the airport to maintain its level of service whilst also meeting the rigorous safety and security standards set by the Federal Government.” Regional Capitals Australia chair Kylie King said regional airports were under threat without more funding and the association was stating its case for these facilities to be prioritised as the Federal 2024-25 Budget is drafted. “Unfortunately, regional councils are feeling the pinch due to increasing costs of delivery across the board, and they can no longer afford to pick up the shortfall,” she said. “The Western Australian regional airports of Bunbury, Busselton, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Karratha, Broome and Port Hedland provide a critical role in border protection, medivac, defence and disaster response. “It’s only reasonable that the Federal Government contribute to their ongoing operations. “We are concerned that unless the Federal Government steps in, Western Australia’s regional airports will be deemed unviable, putting the handbrake on regional growth and our nation’s health and security at risk.” Mr McKim puts the spotlight on Geraldton Airport as the forefront of connecting the greater community for so many reasons other than recreation Air travel in Geraldton connects people to essential medical treatment, business and freight. Previous funding from the Federal Government came in the 2019-20 Budget and was worth almost $100 million in three rounds of grants over four years. Of that funding, only $6.4m was given to Western Australia. In 2023, the City of Greater Geraldton received $110,000 from the Federal Government for the maintenance of Geraldton Airport. The money will be used to resurface and reseal one of Geraldton Airport’s runways, with the project currently out for tender.