Applications for the 2025-27 RADS funding round opened on Friday 19 July and closed on Friday 23 August 2024. Future submissions for RADS grant rounds will be advertised publicly.
Please check the eligibility criteria on the RADS overview page to see if your organisation is eligible to apply for a grant. Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria are generally not accepted. Please contact the Aviation Infrastructure Team if you have any concerns.
See the 'eligible projects' section of the website to see the RADS eligible funding categories. If your project doesn't fall under any of the categories listed, it may still be considered for funding if you can clearly demonstrate how it will benefit regional communities by improving air services and air safety.
Note that funding will not be provided for maintenance activities already funded by the Department of Communities' Remote Essential and Municipal Services (REMS) Program (visit the Department of Communities website for more information).
Most RADS projects should be completed within 24 months, however, some larger projects may take more time. In such cases, please contact the Aviation Infrastructure Team before submitting your application. If you encounter delays which impact your project schedule, you must inform DoT as soon as possible.
Both successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing and successful projects are listed on the website when available. Successful applicants receive a letter offering a grant and detailing the next steps to take. If you have not received a letter, please contact the Aviation Infrastructure Team.
Yes. However, it is generally expected that the applicant will fund 50% of the eligible estimated total cost. Should you secure funds from another private, State or Commonwealth agency you are required to notify the Department of Transport as soon as possible. If any third-party funding is successfully sourced, the total amount of your RADS grant may be reduced.
RADS funding for more than 50% of the eligible estimated total cost is generally only approved when the organisation can demonstrate lack of available funds for the project. Strong justification as to why more than 50% funds are required must be included in your application.
Applicants seeking grant funding greater or equal to $500,000 should contact the Aviation Infrastructure Team before submitting an application.
If your project scope requires amendment, you must advise the Aviation Infrastructure Team immediately to seek approval to amend your RADS funding deed.
Works must be completed before the RADS grant is paid. Grantees must not commence work on or order any goods or services associated with their RADS project until after the funding deed is executed (signed by both parties).
Information on how to claim your grant is available in the 'A Guide to Managing your Grant' brochure (refer to Managing your grant). This brochure, containing templates to assist grantees with the administrative requirements associated with their RADS grants, will be sent to successful grantees together with their funding deeds.
No. Grant payment is determined by the amount of money actually spent by the grant recipient. Refer to your RADS Funding Deed for terms of payment.
No. For a full list of items not eligible for funding please refer to the RADS guidelines brochure.