Regional airport areas at risk, SA
The future of regional areas with airports is up in the air, claims a new report.
Regional airports are crucial in providing labour to mining areas, and have previously been seen as a growth driver, the Local Government Association (LGA) of SA’s Regional Airports Project final report identified.
Due to considerable long-term economic challenges, the regions will need to respond strategically.
“With the rapid development of the mining industry in regional South Australia, regional airports are playing an increasing role in economic development along with the movement of labour between regions,” the report said.
There are regional airports in Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Port Augusta, Renmark and Ceduna.
LGA president Kym McHugh explained that implementing strategies would be crucial in keeping areas afloat.
"There are significant challenges ahead for Councils that own regional airports,” he said.