GRANT District Council will be seeking government assistance to support the financial viability of the Mount Gambier Regional Airport.
At a recent council meeting, a motion moved by Mayor Richard Sage revealed that the airport had sustained a $300,000 loss last year and is on track to lose a further $600,000 this year.
In tabling his notice of motion at the meeting, Mayor Sage said: “Council needs to consider how best we approach this considering the alarming number of airports outside urban centres operating at a loss or at best break even point; our council sustainability could be a risk without assistance”.
With the Covid-19 pandemic greatly impacting airports, Mayor Sage said that being at the forefront of advocating for financial assistance will be essential for keeping the airport running long term.
Despite the losses, upgrades to the airport have been made in the last year including taxiway extensions and updated line marking, indicating council’s commitment to the facility into the future.
Chief executive Darryl Whicker said that he will be reaching out to appropriate politicians and government bodies to advocate for funding, grants and support to help the airport’s financial situation into the future.
Passenger numbers at the Mount Gambier airport are beginning to recover, improving every month of this year thus far.
