Regional Aviation Funding
Funding sources
We recognise that regional aerodromes are not passive assets and need to be actively managed and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements.
The South Australian Government offers two funding sources to support regional aviation infrastructure upgrades:
- SA Support Regional Aviation Program (SASRAP)
- Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program (RAUP) co-contribution funding.
SA Support Regional Aviation Program (SASRAP)
This competitive grant program contributes State Government funding towards infrastructure improvements in the regional and remote aerodrome network. Funded upgrades will improve safety and accessibility, help aerodromes comply with regulatory requirements, accommodate changing airline fleets and regional market growth, and deliver regional economic and social benefits through improved aerodrome infrastructure.
SASRAP Round 8 will provide funding in 2023–2024.
- Grants of up to $100,000 are available to successful applicants.
- All funded projects need to be completed, and all grant monies expended by 30 June 2024.
- Opened for applications 6 December 2022.
- Closes for applications 28 February 2023.
Read the program guidelines, including eligibility criteria, applicant co-funding requirements and assessment criteria.
To preview the application form and submit applications, visit SA Support Regional Aviation Program Round 8 2023–2024 on SmartyGrants.
Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program (RAUP) co-contribution funding
While the Australian Government administers the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, the State Government may provide matching co-funding towards projects. Applicants need to notify the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (email cherill.watkins@sa.gov.au) if they intend to seek a State Government co-contribution and ensure this is made clear in their application.
For more information, visit Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.
Other information
Australian Government regional and remote aviation programs
For information on programs offered, refer to Regional and remote aviation on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.
Safety and regulatory information for aerodrome owners and operators
If you operate an aerodrome there are legislative and regulatory requirements you need to meet. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the government body that regulates aviation safety in Australia. CASA's website has information on rules and regulations, aerodrome categories, applying to certify an aerodrome, safety inspections, and persons authorised to conduct aerodrome lighting checks.
See Aerodromes on CASA's website.
Map of South Australia's regional and remote aerodrome network
AgInsight has the most up-to-date dataset on locations of air transport infrastructure in South Australia and includes CASA Regulated Airports and Airstrips, Aeroplane Landing Areas, and Minor Airstrips. AgInsight is maintained by the Department for Environment and Water and updated annually.
Go to AgInsight website and select the path: > Explore Map & Data > Map Data > Transport > Airports & Airstrips.
MLS Annual Safety Inspections
South Australian aerodromes covered by the Local Government Association's Mutual Liability Insurance Scheme will receive annual safety inspections. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport contributes 50% towards the cost of the annual inspection program. Copies of all inspection reports are provided to the Department, and to the South Australian Government Financing Authority (a unit of the Department of Treasury and Finance).
Featured images
View the gallery to see how previous funding was used. Photos were shared by grant recipients.
Information resources
- Australian Government regional and remote aviation programs
Get information from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
- Safety and regulatory information for aerodrome owners and operators
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates aviation safety in Australia. Get information on rules and regulations, aerodrome categories, applying to certify an aerodrome, safety inspections, and persons authorised to conduct aerodrome lighting checks.
- Regional and remote aerodrome network map
AgInsight has the most up-to-date dataset on locations of air transport infrastructure in South Australia and includes CASA-regulated airports and airstrips, aeroplane landing areas, and minor airstrips. AgInsight is maintained by the Department for Environment and Water and updated annually.
MLS Annual Safety Inspections
South Australian aerodromes covered by the Local Government Association's Mutual Liability Insurance Scheme will receive annual safety inspections. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport contributes 50% towards the cost of the annual inspection program. Copies of all inspection reports are provided to the Department, and to the South Australian Government Financing Authority (a unit of the Department of Treasury and Finance).