Eight regional airports and aerodromes will receive upgrades as part of the South Australian Government’s Support Regional Aviation initiative.
The State Government will contribute $887,833 towards the following upgrades:
- Renmark Airport: $1,084,533 for runway and taxiway reseal and extension
- Port Lincoln Airport: $225,000 for general aviation apron extension
- Naracoorte Aerodrome Airport: $120,000 for general aviation apron extension
- Mount Gambier Airport: $94,200 for construction and sealing car park
- Port Augusta: $91,360 for perimeter fencing
- Whyalla Airport: $72,570 for three projects (keypad entry for emergency services, aircraft tie downs, replacement of sonic animal repellers)
- Coober Pedy Airport: $33,670 for generator installation
- Kimba Aerodrome: $7000 for runway line marking
A recent Australian Airports Association study on the economic contribution and challenges faced by regional airports in Australia showed that many do not have adequate funding to maintain or improve the necessary infrastructure to deliver essential services to regional and remote communities.
SA Minister for Regional Development, Geoff Brock, said, “People in regional South Australia rely on their local airports, not only for leisure and travel, but to transport their friends and family in emergency situations.
“These funds are a welcome investment into our regions and will provide vital upgrades to these important facilities,” Mr Brock said.
