Katanning, Kondinin and Gnowangerup get $633k for critical upgrades from Regional Airports Development Scheme

Three airports in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions have been granted a share of $3.6 million to fund safety upgrades that are crucial for emergency medical care. The shires of Katanning, Kondinin and Gnowangerup received $633,400 from the State Government’s Regional Airports Development Scheme on February 4 to support critical airport projects. The airports are primarily used for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, water bombers, and community members to commute for work. Katanning received $375,000 to reconstruct and resurface the main runway, to begin in 2026 in response to the latest annual inspection request. Shire president Kristy D’Aprile said the shire was grateful for the funding as the airport was an important piece of infrastructure. “The ability for the RFDS to use that service is really important to the community to ensure that we can receive critical emergency health care,” she said. Kondinin Airport secured $224,340 to seal its gravel airstrip and lay new asphalt for the taxiway and helicopter landing pad, with works forecast to start in July. Shire of Kondinin chief executive David Burton said this would improve the community by providing a better service in case of emergencies during weather events. “Patients have had to be taken to Bruce Rock when the RFDS cannot land in Kondinin due to rain,” Mr Burton said. “This funding will seal the strip and allow the RFDS to land, improving the service to the community and reducing the impact on our St John’s ambulance volunteers.” Mr Burton and Ms D’Aprile said the airports would not be used while the works were in progress but methods will be put in place to continue crucial services. Gnowangerup collected $34,079 for general maintenance to ensure its airstrip’s ongoing safety. Shire of Gnowangerup chief executive David Nicholson said the shire was delighted to receive the funding, but the original plan to replace the runway, taxiway and apron lights with LED lights and move aerodrome lighting controls had been pushed back because of costs. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the funding would guarantee operational safety at regional airports. “In regional and remote areas, airports are the transport hubs that link people to lifesaving health services, loved ones and business opportunities in Perth and other regional centres,” Ms Saffioti said. “This funding will support critical projects at 12 regional and remote airports that will ensure they can continue to operate safely and service the transport needs of their communities. “Our Government understands how critical aviation is to regional and remote communities, which is why we continue to make record investments that improve access and make flying more affordable for families.” The other nine regional airports that received funding are Shark Bay, Coral Bay, Forrest, Warburton, Derby, Wiluna, Jigalong, Punmu and Manjimup.