Ceduna District Council was “relieved” to have received federal government funding to upgrade the runway at Ceduna Airport.
The airport was one of 21 to be successful in obtaining funding as part of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, it was announced last week.
It was one of three funded projects on Eyre Peninsula and the Far West, alongside Port Lincoln Airport and Coorabie Airstrip.
Ceduna Airport was granted $527,972 for runway resealing, line-marking and upgrade of runway and taxiway lighting to LED.
Lower Eyre Council received $661,504 for runway remediation and re-seal of runway – including shoulders – taxiway and apron, plus line-marking, while $59,850 will go to resurfacing Coorabie Airstrip and buying new solar airfield lighting.
Ceduna District Council administration and finance manager Ben Taylor said it was important to have received the funding.
That was due to the state of the runway, he said.
“It was recognised that [the] council had to do work on the runway in 12 to 18 months or potentially flight services into Ceduna were going to be affected as a result,” Mr Taylor said.
“We are talking a one million dollar project to keep it operational – that is a huge amount and so to receive the funding from the federal government is a massive relief and will secure the use of the runway long-term.”
Mr Taylor said the works were a necessity for the safety of passengers and flight staff.
“This is work that has to be done,” he said.
“As part of the application we had to provide evidence and we have seen cracking and a few potholes where planes take off and land.
“Coober Pedy a few years back had a similar situation and Regional Express (Rex) stopped landing there. It would have been disastrous if that were to happen here for businesses and services.”
Mr Taylor said the council was awaiting confirmation if the state government – through a linked co-contribution program with the federal government – would be contributing the other 50 per cent of the project.
The aim, he said, was to do the work around the Christmas holiday period.
“It is not a one-day job, it is a job that has to be done over several days,” Mr Taylor said.
“The key would be to not negatively impact services during that time.
“The target is to get it done around Christmas when Rex typically schedules fewer flights.”
Deb Kloock from Coorabie Farm, which operates Coorabie Airstrip, said this was an important upgrade.
“It is very exciting, we didn’t think we would have a chance of getting the funding, being a small place,” she said.
“It is getting quite rough because the crop spraying planes came in last year and they went in and out quite a few times a day, and it made it rough for smaller planes.
“We don’t have any lighting there for night flying. At the moment we have not had the RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) come in at night, but we would like to have lighting in case it is needed.”
Ms Kloock said the airstrip was utilised by the RFDS, as well as private planes.
She said they were waiting for rain to fall which would help the project, but it would “definitely” start this year.
Lower Eyre Council chief executive officer Delfina Lanzilli said it was negotiating with the state government on its co-contribution towards the project funding.
Ms Lanzilli said Port Lincoln Airport was subject to an ongoing maintenance program of the improvements and this type of infrastructure project is planned in advance.
“In essence the assets are nearing the end of useful life and are due for renewal,” she said.
“The airport has one year to complete the runway upgrade and associated works therefore it is expected to be undertaken in the 2024-25 financial year.”
Federal Regional Development Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm said safe and accessible airstrips were critical to safeguarding the quality of life in many remote and very remote communities across Australia.
“Which is why I’m thrilled to announce $13.4m in funding to help ensure the safe operation and longevity of 21 airstrips, so that remote and isolated communities continue to have access to essential goods and services,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing the impact these airstrip projects will have as they get underway, supporting jobs while delivering lasting upgrades that will service communities well into the future.”
