William Scott
The federal government is investing approximately $2 million to upgrade six regional airports across South Australia, as well as Tasmania’s Burnie Airport.
Airports are vital for regional communities, providing critical access to emergency healthcare, as well as commerce, industry, tourism and education.
Funded under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, these essential upgrades will include runway resurfacing and sealing, line marking and lighting upgrades – which will improve safety and enhance accessibility at these regional airports.
In Burnie, $330,294 will support the application of Surface Enrichment Spray Treatment to the entire length of the main runway in order to provide a safe operational condition for aircraft. The treatment will improve the runway’s surface condition, provide waterproofing and lengthen the life of the surface.
The works will support airport users including passenger services, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), Tasmanian Ambulance Service and search and rescue aircraft.
In Port Augusta, $842,500 will support targeted runway pavement strengthening. The works will strengthen sections of the runway to improve its surface, extend its lifespan and improve safety.
This will support the RFDS 24-hour operations based at the airport, as well as passenger, charter and general aviation.
Other works to be funded under Round 4 in South Australia are:
- $550,000 for the District Council of Grant to upgrade the taxiway and apron to accommodate larger aircraft and air tankers for firefighting at the Mt Gambier Airport
- $106,767 for Naracoorte Lucindale Council to reseal and line mark the Naracoorte Aerodrome runway to extend its lifespan and support access for the RFDS and emergency services, including for fire-fighting
- $121,400 for the Copper Coast Council to purchase and install a runway lighting system to enhance safety and accessibility at the Copper Triangle Aerodrome and support all weather access for the RFDS
- $61,701 for the Northern Areas Council to upgrade the lighting system at the Sir Hubert Wilkins Aerodrome. The works will support safety, access and reliability at the airport for emergency aeromedical and fire-fighting services
- $49,422 for the Clare Valley Flying Group Incorporated to support construction of a dedicated area for helicopter operations at the Clare Valley Aerodrome
This announcement builds on the nearly $100 million that has already been delivered to support 194 projects under the first three rounds of the program.
For more information on the Regional Airports Program, including a full list of Round 4 projects in South Australia, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/aviation/regional-remote-aviation/regional-airports-program
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the government is backing regional communities by backing regional airports, which provide critical connectivity to other towns, to economic opportunities and to services like emergency healthcare.
“Importantly, this funding will support safer, better runways that RFDS and fire-fighting aviation services rely on to help communities when they need it most.”
