Whyalla Airport’s runway will be upgraded to handle larger aircraft. Photo: stock
Canberra is to spend $16.2 million on upgrading Whyalla Airport in South Australia as Qantas phases out its smaller aircraft from its regional fleet.
The airport provides critical access to health services for the town and helps bring in tourists to the Eyre Peninsula.
Qantas is the only airline that services Whyalla; it is replacing its smaller aircraft with faster and larger Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
The federal government says the airport’s runway have to be strengthened to handle these aircraft.
Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Development Catherine King says her government says the airport upgrade is “essential” to maintaining a strong regional aviation network in Australia.
“This investment will ensure Whyalla locals and surrounding communities remain connected and have access to the critical services they require,” she says.
Senator for South Australia Karen Grogan was heartened by the news.
“I have been proud to stand alongside the Whyalla community in advocating for an upgrade to the Whyalla Airport Runway,” she says.
“As locals know, Whyalla airport is not just a transport hub – it is a key facility for local business, a connection to vital services in the city, and a crucial healthcare facility enabling access to specialist and advanced care.”
Whyalla City Council has operated the airport since 1991 when ownership was transferred from the Federal Government.
LOW CARBON
British synthetic fuels developer Zero Petroleum is reportedly exploring the possibility of building a low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel production facility in Whyalla in collaboration with Qantas Airways.
A feasibility study is expected to take six months and evaluate the technical, economic, and environmental viability of a facility which would be capable of producing up to 10 million litres of synthetic aviation fuel, gasoline, and diesel each year.
Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone welcomed the news as proof that cutting-edge industries are interested in Whyalla as a result of a state investment in hydrogen energy.
“This gives us continued optimism for the city’s future,” he said.
