Communities in remote and very remote South Australia will benefit from better air services thanks to the Australian Government’s latest round of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program with nine airstrips in Grey to receive funding.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the upgrades will help local communities maintain access to essential goods and services.
“I am delighted William Creek, Kimba, Leigh Creek, Oodnadatta, Yalata, Yunta, Cowell, Mimili and the Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary will all receive funding to improve safety and conditions.
“Upgrades like this mean that Grey residents will have improved connectivity to regional centres and increased access to essential services.
“I am looking forward to working with these remote communities to ensure we deliver the essential airstrip works they need.”
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said the latest round of funding shows the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure in regional, rural and remote communities.
“Projects funded in Round 8 include resealing airstrips so that aircraft can land without getting damaged, upgrading lighting to support emergency services landing at night or fence replacement,” Mr Hogan said.
“These are all works that will dramatically improve the safety of and access to these airstrips and brings the total Australian Government funding approved for remote airstrip upgrades to $70 million for 343 projects since 2013.”
Successful Projects in Grey-
William Creek $21,230 for an upgrade allowing RFDS to safely land and take-off
Kimba Aerodrome- $106,542 to re-seal the runway
Leigh Creek- $500,000 to repair and reseal the runways
Oodnadatta- $78,000 to install animal-proof fencing
Yalata- $445,000 to replace lighting
Yunta- $156,503 to repair and re-sheet the runway
Cowell- $$150,000 to upgrade fencing
Mimili- $141,446 to replace old fencing with animal-proof fencing
Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary- $15,573 to improve marker and additional lighting
For a full list of successful projects and more information on the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, visit infrastructure.gov.au/regionalaviation.
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 02 6277 4967 May 3, 2021
