An increase in activity has been welcomed at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport with the presence of helicopters, water bombing aircraft and construction at the facility.


Airport manager Nick Serle reported on the operations of the airport at Grant District Council’s January monthly meeting.

“Helifarm have made significant amenity improvements to the hangar they lease from DC Grant to accommodate the 14 people who are now based there for the fire season,” he said.

“The operation of two Squirrel and one Blackhawk helicopters and three Airtractor water bombing aircraft from the Mount Gambier Regional Airport is a welcome increase in activity at the airport.”

Meanwhile, construction has commenced on the fifth and largest private hangar on taxiway delta.

“Construction of the sixth hangar will commence shortly,” Mr Serle said.

“This is an indicator of the thriving general aviation sector in the region.”

In other airport news, a report detailing the process for formal endorsement of the new Airport Master Plan will be presented at council’s February monthly meeting.

“Most of the actions from the Mount Gambier Regional Airport Master Plan 2016-2026 have been delivered,” Mr Serle said.

“It is therefore timely to commence work to create a new Master Plan.

“A workshop to begin the process of creating the new Master Plan was held with council members in October 2023.

“During the workshop the council members provided valuable input that will be included in future reviews of the draft Airport Master Plan.”

Stakeholder engagement will take place in March, and a draft plan will be presented to council in April, followed by public consultation in May, in readiness for the plan the be finalised in June.