Client

Department Primary Industries and Regional Development Regional Development Trust

Services

Independent data collection, asset audits, prioritisation development, scope of works and budget development for future infrastructure program

Background

The Airstrips Improvement Program is a $15 million initiative funded by the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust. It aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity for rural and remote communities in Western NSW by upgrading critical airstrip infrastructure. These airstrips are essential for emergency medical evacuations, disaster response, and the delivery of supplies and services.

Our role

NSW Public Works (NSWPW) lead Stage 1 of the Airstrips Improvement Program to collect data, create prioritisation and provide technical scope and guidance for the development of the program, ensuring that infrastructure upgrades are targeted, compliant, and responsive to local needs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting technical assessments and scope development of airstrip infrastructure across more than 31 rural and remote locations.
• Developing a prioritisation framework to guide funding decisions based on safety, accessibility, and service demand.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including local councils, CASA, RFDS, NSW Ambulance, SES, and RFS.
• Review of delivery planning to ensure upgrades meet compliance and operational standards

We were able to complete this work in a shortened timeframe, to get the decision makers factual, reliable information to offer funding.  This had avoided hours of Council time if they were required to submit a competitive grant application and has saved the department time in assessment, compliance and strategic alignment as the priortisation was able to provide infrastructure recommendations based on service and community needs.

Outcomes

Expected to be completed in 2026, the Airstrips Improvement Program will deliver safer, more reliable airstrip infrastructure for communities across Western NSW.

Upgraded airstrips will improve access to emergency medical services, support disaster response, and enable the delivery of specialist trades and supplies. These improvements will help communities stay connected during critical events and everyday operations.