Coober Pedy gets runway upgrade, keeps Rex service
Coober Pedy gets runway upgrade, keeps Rex service Construction on widening the runway at Coober Pedy Airport will commence in November after the project secured state FUNDING,in a move that ensures Regional Express (Rex) will be able to maintain services from Adelaide using Saab 340 Aircraft. The South Australian government has backed $1.3 million project to widen the runway to 30 metres, from 18 metres currently, so it will meet international regulations. Coober Pedy district council mayor Steve Baines said the council was ready to begin work once the paperwork was settled. The threat to our vital Air service has been lifted,Cr Baines said in a statement. Losing the Rex Flights would have killed off the tourism industry and had major impact on the residents of Coober Pedy and surrounding areas. Council and I are delighted that this has been resolved. Figures from the SA government showed 75 per cent of passengers on Flights to Coober Pedy were visitors to the town. ...