The State Government has opened applications for the next round of the Support Regional Aviation initiative to fund priority infrastructure upgrades at regulated regional public airports.

Owners and operators of regulated airports and aerodromes in regional South Australia can apply for a share of the funding for upgrades, on a cost-share basis, such as:

• Resealing runways, taxiways and aprons
• Upgrading fencing
• Replacing lighting
• Extending and upgrading terminal facilities.

The initiative aims to improve the regional airport network to conform to regulatory requirements, accommodate changing airline fleets, support the growth of regional aviation markets, and deliver regional economic and social benefits through improved air services.

The Government is writing to councils and the Outback Communities Authority to encourage them to submit applications for funding.

Minister Geoff Brock said regional airports are critical infrastructure not just for the aviation industry but also for the ongoing development and economic growth of our regional centres.

“They are vital for essential and emergency services, the transport, tourism, health and business sectors in regional areas, connecting regional and remote communities to other parts of South Australia and the nation.

Earlier this year a master planning process for 19 regulated regional airports identified future development opportunities for these facilities was needed to better service the needs of local communities.

This initiative will provide councils and other authorities the opportunity to secure funding support to upgrade these vital aviation infrastructure assets.”

Background

The Australian Airports Association found that regional Australian airports invested $185m in the 2015-16 financial year and employed more than 1700 people.

The same study found that the authorities which operate them face significant financial pressure to maintain them to a safe and satisfactory level.

Funding through the Support Regional Aviation initiative is open to any regulated regional airports.

All eight applications made last year were approved with the State Government contributing $520,000 towards:

• Tumby Bay Aerodrome – $68,660 for two projects
  •  Runway and taxiway reseal
  • Uninterruptible power supply
• Streaky Bay Aerodrome – $74,410 for access road and car park reseal
• Whyalla Airport – $24,760 for automated access gates
• Renmark Airport – $47,350 for perimeter fencing replacement (partial)
• Port Lincoln Airport – $501,000 for main runway rehabilitation and reseal
• Naracoorte Aerodrome Airport – $650,000
  • Second runway upgrade
  • Water bombing facilities
  • Refurbishment of ablution facilities
  • Mount Gambier Airport $38,061 for automated access gates

Applications for the latest round of funding close will close on Friday, October 27.