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The City of Whyalla will use a State Government grant to help with three upgrades at the city’s airport.
Council received $36,285 through the Support Regional Aviation initiative established by the State Government in 2016. The scheme was introduced after an Australian Airports Association study on the economic contribution and challenges faced by regional airports in Australia showed that many don’t have adequate funding to maintain or improve the necessary infrastructure to deliver essential services.
The funding was matched, dollar for dollar, by the City of Whyalla and will be used to install an electronic gate, aircraft tie downs and sonic animal repellers.
Council CEO Chris Cowley said the Support Regional Aviation funding was a welcome boost for the three necessary projects at the airport.
“This work needs to be done as we continue to upgrade our airport and it is a welcome input from the State Government to help complete these projects,” Mr Cowley said.
“This sort of funding takes a lot of pressure off council coffers and enables us to look at other necessary projects, not only at the airport but in other areas around the city.
“The airport is a vital piece of infrastructure for Whyalla and we remain committed to ensuring we have the best possible facilities to cater for traveller demand.”
A total of $887,833 was put up by Support Regional Aviation initiative for eight regional airports in South Australia with nearby airports at Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and the Kimba Aerodrome also receiving funding.
In a statement, the State Government said the Support Regional Aviation initiative aimed to improve the regulated regional airport and aerodrome network to conform to regulatory requirements and accommodate changing airline fleets and regional market growth.
“Regional and remote airports and aerodromes are critical pieces of infrastructure for connecting country communities to other regions, to Adelaide and other parts of our vast nation,” Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said.
“They are vital for emergency and essential services and support the tourism, health, transport and business sectors of regional and remote communities.
“The significant cost pressures of maintaining these airports and aerodromes to a safe level can pose difficulties for the responsible local authorities.
“The Support Regional Aviation initiative recognises the importance of these assets, supporting councils and other local authorities with funding to upgrade and maintain airports and aerodromes across the State.”
Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said the funding was vital for upgrades to support not only those travelling for recreation but also when it came to emergencies for regional communities.
“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,” Mr Brock said.
“Country airports are also the visitor-gateways to some of the most beautiful parts of our State, bringing with them important tourism dollars into regional economies.
“These funds are a welcome investment into our regions and will provide vital upgrades to these important facilities.”
Below is the list of eight airports and aerodrome projects contributed to through the Support Regional Aviation initiative. Note: Figures quoted are the total cost of the projects.
- 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