St Helens airport will benefit from grants totalling $160,000 under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program.

Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Claire Chandler said funding would support important safety and access upgrades to ensure the ongoing operation of the airport.

“The St Helens airport provides an important air service for St Helens and the broader east coast area, so it’s vital facilities are maintained,” Senator Chandler said.

“Funding of $90,000 has been committed for the construction of new animal-proof fencing, and a further $70,000 has been committed to re-sheet the gravel runway.”

St Helens airport is one of 89 regional airports across Australia sharing in almost $30 million of grant funding.

“For our regional communities, the local airport provides an essential link to the rest of Australia,” Senator Chandler said.

“This is a great example of our Government backing the aviation industry whilst boosting local economies to help secure a stronger future for these regional areas.”

For a full list of successful projects and more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit infrastructure.gov.au/regionalaviation.