Critical aviation upgrades ready to take flight

Friday 4 September 2026

Aerodromes in the state’s Far North, South East, and Eyre Peninsula will get critical safety improvements, sharing in close to $250,000 under the most recent funding round of the South Australian Supporting Regional Aviation Program (SASRAP).

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

The District Council of Coober Pedy has been awarded $71,500 to replace the ageing lighting control system at the Coober Pedy Aerodrome, enhancing safety and operational reliability.

The upgrade will support continued night-time and low-visibility access for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, emergency services and regular passenger flights, helping maintain vital connectivity for the outback mining town while reducing the risk of service disruptions.

Firefighting aircrafts will soon have improved facilities at the Naracoorte Aerodrome, with the sealing of loading and approach areas, and the construction of a new concrete refuelling pad.

The $57,500 upgrade will enhance safety, reduce dust and debris hazards, and streamline operations for firefighting aircraft, supporting Country Fire Service operations. It will also increase the aerodrome’s capacity to accommodate larger helicopters, strengthening its role as a key hub for regional and interstate firefighting operations.

The District Council of Robe will use a $22,435 grant to construct an all-weather runway extension, upgrade visual runway markers, and improve drainage at the Robe Aerodrome. This upgrade will support emergency service access all year round and enable the aerodrome to cater to future growth in aviation activity.

The Lower Eyre Council has been awarded $57,432 to strengthen security at the Port Lincoln Airport through an upgrade of the airport’s CCTV surveillance system.

In a further boost for regional aviation safety, the District Council of Cleve receives $38,000 for new perimeter fencing, which will be constructed around a section of the Cleve Aerodrome to prevent wildlife from entering.

Since it began in 2015, more than 60 projects have shared in over $5 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.

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