Regional runways recharged with aviation grants

Thursday 4 December 2025

Runways at Elliston Aerodrome and the Cleve Aerodrome Airport will get critical safety improvements, sharing in $360,000, under the most recent funding round of the South Australian Supporting Regional Aviation Program.

Both these aerodromes provide pivotal access for aeromedical care and emergency services while driving economic activity through transport and supporting agricultural services.

Now in its tenth year, the program delivers grants for projects that improve regional airport infrastructure across the state, while supporting local jobs during construction.

The District Council of Cleve has been awarded $60,000 to re-sheet the gravel runway and access road at Cleve Aerodrome Airport.

This project will strengthen the structural integrity of the runway, enabling the airport to operate in all weather, boosting regional connectivity year-round.

A $300,000 grant has secured the future of Elliston Aerodrome, with the District Council of Elliston to deliver major works to the runway, apron and taxiway at the ageing site.

The grants program began in 2015 with 60 projects since sharing in more than $4 million to deliver more resilient and safer aerodromes, ensuring they comply with regulatory requirements, and creating regional economic and social benefits through improved air services.

Four projects were awarded grants in the previous funding round, including new runway lighting and an illuminated windsock at Peterborough Aerodrome, and taxiway improvements at Mount Gambier Regional Airport.

Applications for round 11 funding will open early 2026. Owners of existing publicly owned airports and aerodromes in regional South Australia are eligible to apply, and projects must be capable of completion by 30 June, 2027.

For further information on the South Australian Supporting Regional Aviation Program, visit the website.

Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Jon Whelan, Department for Infrastructure and Transport

There are more than 270 aerodromes and airports across South Australia and they all fulfil a vital role in local communities.

Through the South Australian Supporting Regional Aviation Program, we are ensuring these key infrastructure assets can continue to deliver better, safer, and more reliable access to aviation services, now and in the future.

We are proud of the role this program is playing in opening up opportunities through improved air services in often isolated communities.

Quotes attributable to Dr Andrew Pearce, Divisional Clinical Director, SAAS MedSTAR

South Australia’s regional aerodromes and airports are pivotal to the delivery of rapid life-saving emergency aeromedical care, medical retrieval services, and the transfer of patients from rural centres to tertiary hospitals in Adelaide.

The critical safety works at Elliston Aerodrome and Cleve Aerodrome Airport will help ensure that in a medical emergency, patients on the Eyre Peninsula are able to get to the right care for their clinical conditions quicker.

During 2024-25, SAAS MedSTAR responded to 162 medical retrievals from hospitals on the Eyre Peninsula.

Quotes attributable to Luke Moane, Director Essential Services and Assets, District Council of Elliston

This is an excellent outcome for the Elliston community.

The resealing works will enhance safety for all aerodrome users and ensure continued access for critical services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Angel Flight, providing peace of mind for residents in emergency and medical situations.

The upgrades will also drive economic activity through improved transport connections and support our vital agricultural industries.