As part of the 2024-25 State Budget, the WA Government have announced a significant boost for regional flights and airstrip infrastructure throughout the state. A total of $29.3 million has been allocated for upgrades to regional and remote airstrips, including a $3.38 million commitment toward much needed upgrades on the Eucla Airstrip.
This is a major investment milestone for the project, with GEDC working alongside the Shire of Dundas, Department of Transport, and MainRoads WA to assess the options and secure funding for these critical infrastructure works.
Renowned for it's location at the easternmost site in Western Australia, Eucla’s airstrip is some 1,400km from Perth and provides vital air access for services in and out of the remote region, including WA Police, Royal Flying Doctor Service and WACHS.
A further $64.6 million boost for the Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme (RAZC) was also announced, to continue to keep the cost of flights down for regional residents. The scheme caps the cost of airfares for regional residents year-round and is delivered in partnership with Airnorth, Nexus Airlines, Qantas Airways, Rex, Skippers Aviation and Virgin Australia. This new investment will extend the scheme until the end of 2025.