The South Australian government has committed $1.5 million to upgrade two outback airports.
Coober Pedy and Marree will both benefit from funding announcements this week by Transport and Infrastructure minister Stephen Mullighan.
The government will spend $1.3 million on widening Coober Pedy's sealed runway 04/22 from 18 to 30 metres to meet CASA requirements for passenger services to the town.
“Scheduled services provided by Regional Express were under threat," said the minister, "with the airline set to stop operations under new CASA requirements coming into effect in November that classify the runway as too narrow.
“The prospect of losing commercial flights to Coober Pedy was unacceptable to the South Australian Government.”
MP for Giles, Eddie Hughes, said the upgrade was important for the local community.
“This upgrade will bring the Coober Pedy Airport runway to the same standard as other Council-owned and operated aerodromes in South Australia,” he said. “The upgrade will not only improve access for the community to medical and emergency services, it will also boost regional tourism opportunities."
A further $230,000 will be spent on upgrading Marree Airport to expand the aircraft parking, building a second taxiway and line marking.
“These upgrades will result in improved services for passengers at the Marree Aerodrome, and make it easier for pilots to use the runway," Mullighan said.
“The project will also improve the safety of Royal Flying Doctor Service operations – on average one flight each week during 2013/14 – as well as the operation of other aircraft, including charters, that use the aerodrome."
Since 2007, the SA Government has spent $17 million on improving the state's outback airports.