Katanning Airport upgrade benefits whole region

Premier Colin Barnett today unveiled a newer, safer Katanning Airport after a $650,000 upgrade bringing it up to 'all-weather' standard.

  • New airstrip upgrade will allow improved access for medical evacuations and emergency service situations

  • The upgrade included sealing and widening the runway

Premier Colin Barnett today unveiled a newer, safer Katanning Airport after a $650,000 upgrade bringing it up to 'all-weather' standard.

Mr Barnett said the upgrade, part-funded by the State Government's Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS), would provide improved facilities for emergency services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 

"The upgrade provides safety and economic benefits for the whole region," he said.

The sealing and widening of the runway to an 'all-weather' standard improves accessibility for medical evacuations and emergency service situations such as flood, fire and natural disaster relief.

"The upgrade will also benefit a range of other services using the Katanning Airport such as the local gold mining industry, the Australian Defence Force and other private users," the Premier said.

"The Shire of Katanning received a RADS grant for $322,600 to upgrade the Katanning runway as part of the 2011-12 RADS funding round, the Shire of Katanning contributing the rest of the project cost of $649,500."

Mr Barnett said the upgrade to the Katanning airstrip was a great example of how RADS grants were helping to improve vital airport infrastructure in regional areas.

The RADS grant program, co-funded by the Department of Transport and Royalties for Regions, has provided funding to improve airport infrastructure for regional Western Australian airports since 2008.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the contribution from Royalties for Regions had helped improve the safety and viability of the Katanning Airport and boosted economic development in the region.

"Royalties for Regions is helping to create sustainable regional communities across Western Australia," Mr Redman said.

The Katanning Airport upgrade commenced on June 1, 2012 and was completed on June 18, 2013.

Premier's office - 6552 5000