GRANT District Council has lodged a funding application seeking $3.5m from the Federal Government to upgrade the Mount Gambier Airport.
In a revised blueprint, the local government body is hoping to progress a $9.2m overhaul of the aerodrome.
Council was unsuccessful in snaring $5m in federal funding in 2016 for the airfield, which has been touted as the region’s highest infrastructure priority.
Council has now trimmed the cost of the project to try and get it over the line in the highly competitive Building Better Regions Fund.
The fund’s previous round attracted 540 applications with 110 projects receiving the green light.
The new plan will see the project focus on a runway extension, ground lighting to runway, taxiway and apron areas, a new GPS approach as well as an optional 20kW solar system.
Importantly, $1.7m has been earmarked for the construction of a heavy aircraft apron and associated lighting.
More than $5.5m has also been earmarked for an expansion of the terminal and external works to the terminal and carpark.
The project – which has stalled for a number of years – has been boosted following a $500,000 commitment from Mount Gambier City Council as well as a $4m commitment from the State Government.
Grant District Council chief executive officer Trevor Smart welcomed the funding commitment from both Mount Gambier City Council and the State Government.
“This now provides for a Federal Government funding ratio of 38.2pc of the total project, which we understand should assist in strengthening our application from a funding partner perspective and a reduced Federal Government ask,” Mr Smart said.
Grant council – which owns and operates the airfield – has set aside $1.15m from its revenue streams.
Meanwhile, South Australian Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan has announced funding towards a $94,000 construction of a new hire car parking area at Mount Gambier Airport.
“The construction and sealing of a new hire car carpark will create additional space for rental cars,” Mr Smart said.
Funding will contribute to preparation of the site and construction of the new parking area, including lighting.
The council executive said the project would relieve congestion and improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in and around the airport terminal.
“On average, about 70 to 80 rental cars are parked in carparks, on lawns, and roadside verges adjacent the airport terminal due to lack of designated car parking spaces for car rental businesses that operate from Mount Gambier Airport,” he said.
Initial development will provide for an additional 43 car parking spaces, however there is scope to undertake a further stage of car park development subject to future demand.
“Lighting of the carpark will provide additional safety and usability, contributing to an overall better experience for visitors to the airport,” Mr Smart said.
Mr Mullighan said regional airports were critical infrastructure for connecting country communities to other regions and cities.
“They are vital for emergency and essential services and support the tourism, health, transport and business sectors of regional and remote communities,” he said.
He said significant cost pressures of maintaining these airports and aerodromes to a safe level could pose difficulties for the responsible local authorities.
Meanwhile, Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said country airports were also the visitor gateways to some of the most beautiful parts of our state, bringing with them important tourism dollars into regional economies.
“These funds are a welcome investment into our regions and will provide vital upgrades to these important facilities,” Mr Brock said.
