Regional Aviation Funding
We recognise that regional aerodromes are not passive assets. They need to be actively managed and maintained in line with regulatory requirements.
The South Australian Government offers two funding sources to support regional aviation infrastructure upgrades:
- SA Supporting Regional Aviation Program (SASRAP)
- Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program (RAUP) co-contribution funding.
SA Supporting Regional Aviation Program
SA Supporting Regional Aviation Program (SASRAP) is a competitive grant program. It contributes State Government funding towards infrastructure improvements in the regional and remote aerodrome network.
Funded upgrades will:
- improve safety and accessibility
- help aerodromes comply with regulatory requirements
- accommodate changing airline fleets and regional market growth
- deliver regional economic and social benefits through improved aerodrome infrastructure.
SASRAP Round 10 (2025–2026) is expected to open on SmartyGrants in early 2025.
About SASRAP Round 9
SASRAP Round 9 provided funding in 2024–2025. It opened on SmartyGrants on 4 March 2024 and closed on 22 March 2024.
- Grants of up to $150,000 were available to successful applicants.
- All funded projects need to be completed, and all grant monies expended by 30 June 2025.
Successful Round 9 projects
Where | What |
---|---|
Peterborough Aerodrome, District Council of Peterborough | Replacement of runway lighting and illumination of the wind sock |
Kingston Aerodrome, District Council of Kingston | Construction of a new shelter |
Quorn Aerodrome, The Flinders Ranges Council | Sealing part of runway and taxiway and replacement of runway lighting |
Mount Gambier Regional Airport, District Council of Grant | Reconstruction of Taxiway A1 |
Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program co-contribution funding
The Australian Government administers the Remote Airstrip Upgrade program (RAUP). However, the South Australian Government may provide matching co-funding towards projects.
Applicants must email DIT.RegionalAviationFunding@sa.gov.au of their intention to request a state government co-contribution. Please ensure this is clear in your RAUP application.
For more information, visit Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.
Other information
Australian Government regional and remote aviation programs
For information on programs offered, refer to Regional and remote aviation on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.
Safety and regulatory information for aerodrome owners and operators
If you operate an aerodrome there are legislative and regulatory requirements you need to meet. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the government body that regulates aviation safety in Australia. CASA's website has information on rules and regulations, aerodrome categories, applying to certify an aerodrome, safety inspections, and persons authorised to conduct aerodrome lighting checks.
See Aerodromes on CASA's website.
Map of South Australia's regional and remote aerodrome network
AgInsight has the most up-to-date dataset on locations of air transport infrastructure in South Australia and includes CASA Regulated Airports and Airstrips, Aeroplane Landing Areas, and Minor Airstrips. AgInsight is maintained by the Department for Environment and Water and updated annually.
Go to AgInsight website and select the path: > Explore Map & Data > Map Data > Transport > Airports & Airstrips.
MLS Annual Safety Inspections
South Australian aerodromes covered by the Local Government Association's Mutual Liability Insurance Scheme will receive annual safety inspections. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport contributes 50% towards the cost of the annual inspection program. Copies of all inspection reports are provided to the Department, and to the South Australian Government Financing Authority (a unit of the Department of Treasury and Finance).
Information resources
- Australian Government regional and remote aviation programs
Get information from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
- Safety and regulatory information for aerodrome owners and operators
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates aviation safety in Australia. Learn about rules and regulations, aerodrome categories, applying to certify an aerodrome, safety inspections, and who conducts aerodrome lighting checks.
- Regional and remote aerodrome network map
AgInsight has the most up-to-date dataset on locations of air transport infrastructure in South Australia. This includes CASA-regulated airports and airstrips, aeroplane landing areas, and minor airstrips. The Department for Environment and Water maintains AgInsight and updates it annually.
MLS annual safety inspections
South Australian aerodromes covered by the Local Government Association's Mutual Liability Insurance Scheme will receive annual safety inspections. We contribute towards the cost of these annual inspections.
Copies of inspection reports are provided to:
- our Department
- the South Australian Government Financing Authority (a unit of the Department of Treasury and Finance).