In this section:

Archived Media Releases

Grant to reinstate fuel facility at Leigh Creek Aerodrome

7 June 2011

Aircraft will be able to refuel at the Leigh Creek Aerodrome, in South Australia’s Outback, thanks to more than $80,000 in State Government funding.

The funding provided through the Enterprise Zone Fund Upper Spencer Gulf and Outback will enable Stark Aviation Pty Ltd to reinstate an aviation fuel facility at the Leigh Creek Aerodrome.

Minister for Regional Development Gail Gago says Leigh Creek, in the central north west of the State, will be better placed to provide a fully functional gateway to the Australian Outback.

“The facility will create a 24-hour refuelling point for Adelaide and Melbourne air traffic to not just access the SA Outback but also to refuel before moving north into Queensland and the Northern Territory,” the Minister said.

“The refuelling facility will also be of major importance in catering for an increase in fly in – fly out employees working in the rapidly growing mining sector as well as tourists and prospective investors.”

Outback residents and visitors will also have improved access to urgent health services with greater aircraft refuelling facilities available to the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s fleet of planes.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Central Operations Chief Pilot Alan Benn says the refuelling facility means the Leigh Creek Aerodrome will be able to be used in emergency aero-medical evacuations and other critical response situations.

Stark Aviation General Manager Peter Stark says the money will go towards the purchase and installation of fuel tanks, hose reels and other supporting equipment.

The project, totalling more than $160,000, is due for completion later this year.

Minister Gago said that Fund is a $4 million rolling fund, available over four years aimed at capturing the benefits of growing industries to further strengthen Upper Spencer Gulf and Outback communities.

For more information on the fund go to the Enterprise Zone Fund web page.