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The federal government is spending around $2 million to upgrade regional airports in South Australia, as well as Burnie Airport in Tasmania.
South Australian airports will receive almost $1.7 million in funding under the fourth round of the Regional Airports Program, while Burnie will receive $330,000. The grants bring the total from Round 4 to more than $25 million, following announcements for NSW, Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland.
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The largest single grant in South Australia will go to Port Augusta Airport, which will receive $842,500 to strengthen its runway for RFDS as well as passenger, charter and general aviation operations.
Other SA projects include $550,000 for taxiway and apron upgrades in Mt Gambier, around $100,000 for resealing and line marking at Naracoorte Aerodrome, and $120,000 for runway lighting at Copper Triangle Aerodrome.
“We’re backing regional communities in South Australia by backing regional airports, which provide critical connectivity to other towns, to economic opportunities, and to services like emergency healthcare,” Transport Minister Catherine King said.
“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.”
In Tasmania, meanwhile, Burnie Airport’s main runway will receive Surface Enrichment Spray Treatment to improve surface condition, waterproof the runway and extend its lifespan.
“This funding for Burnie Airport will support a safer, better runway for the services that the community relies on in times of emergency,” Minister King said.
The Commonwealth funding adds to $365,000 from the Tasmanian government, announced last month, for infrastructure upgrades at Burnie.
The upgrades, expected to begin early this year, will allow the airport to handle larger aircraft such as QantasLink Dash 8 Q400s. Burnie is currently served by QantasLink, Rex, and Sharp Airlines flights.
“This funding will help secure the future of Burnie Airport by strengthening infrastructure around the bays to accommodate the new, bigger Qantas planes that are coming into service,” Kerry Vincent, Tasmania’s Minister for Infrastructure, said.
“We know this regional airport provides important access to King Island and the mainland for locals and visitors alike.
“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are investing in critical infrastructure across the State to keep Tasmania’s economy strong and create jobs.”
