Published on Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 7:59:10 AM
Calls for Federal Government investment in regional aviation infrastructure are being backed by the City of Greater Geraldton, following a new report showing many airports are increasingly forced to subsidise essential upgrades.
Commissioned by Regional Capitals Australia (RCA), the Regional Airports Financial Sustainability Survey has revealed the financial pressures facing airports across regional Australia.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the findings reflect the challenges the City experiences through the operation of Geraldton Airport.
“Geraldton Airport is critical for our region in supporting regular passenger and charter flights, tourism, health services, defence operations and emergency responses as well as workforce and business productivity,” he said.
“Security screening and compliance obligations have created significant fixed costs for us with no financial commitment from the State or Federal Governments which has forced considerable expenditure by the City to maintain services for the region.”
Since 2019, the City has invested more than $7 million in airport infrastructure.
This includes the resurfacing and extension of the runway to ensure the facility can fulfil its role in the regional and national aviation network, and the installation of new security screening equipment to meet regulatory requirements.
Mayor Clune confirmed the City strongly supports RCA’s recommendations to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry.
“We need the Federal Government to recognise regional airports as critical national infrastructure and invest accordingly, by establishing recurrent funding and resolving inequitable aviation security requirements that place disproportionate cost burdens on regional airports,” he said.
“These recommendations reflect what we as a City and regional councils have been saying for years, sustainable federal investment is essential if regional airports and the communities they serve are to thrive.”
For more information on the Regional Airports Financial Sustainability Survey visit the RCA website.
This call to action aligns with the Leading theme in the City’s Strategic Community Plan and reflects the organisation’s commitment to ensuring Federal funding is aligned with community priorities.
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