Critical funding for Mount Gambier Airport

DISTRICT Council of Grant has been successful in securing funding from the Federal Government’s Regional and Remote Airport Support Program, which aims to provide financial relief to airport operators affected by the voluntary administration of Regional Express (Rex) in 2024.

As owner-operator of the Mount Gambier Regional Airport, District Council of Grant is one of 34 recipients across Australia who have been successful in attaining relief payments through the Program.

Following Rex’s announcement in July 2024, Council became an unsecured creditor for unpaid airport charges, including landing fees, passenger head taxes and other service-related costs.

Council had limited recourse and faced uncertainty around recovery of the outstanding debt during the administration and sale process.

In November 2025, the Federal Government announced a $5 million Regional and Remote Airport Support Program designed to help mitigate the financial impacts on affected airport operators and support the continued delivery of essential air services to regional communities. Council applied to the program and has now been advised of a successful outcome.

Council will receive $179,460, representing the full amount of its application and recovering the entire pre-GST amount owing to the Airport.

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston was pleased with the result.

“This outcome is a very welcome relief for our community and for Council. Recovering these funds ensures we can continue to operate and maintain the Mount Gambier Regional Airport and focus on its development as a gateway to our region,” Mayor Boston said.

“Council thanks the Federal Government and Minister Catherine King for recognising the critical role regional airports play in keeping our communities connected.”

Chief Executive Officer Gary Button said given the financial margins within which regional airports operate, Council is grateful for the reimbursement of the outstanding charges.

“From an operational standpoint, this outcome provides important financial certainty for Council and for the ongoing management of the Airport. This ensures that essential airport operations can continue without disruption,” Mr Button said.

“These funds will allow us to maintain service standards, support airline operations, and continue delivering a crucial service for our community, business sector and visitors to the region.”

The funds will be delivered to Council in the coming weeks and reflected in the 2026-2027 Annual Business Plan & Budget.