Councillor Donna Coulson moved a motion last month for the council to immediately seal the airstrip using the council's reserve funds.

However, councillors voted to take the matter to a workshop and obtain further information.

The airstrip has been a contentious issue with discussions about extending the runway or creating a cross-section so planes can fly into St Helens in varying weather conditions.

Cr Coulson said the issue required immediate attention.

"We have been waiting for funding for far too long and it needs to be done, so we should fund it out of the reserves," she said.

Councillor Reon Johns said the road to the airport was in desperate need of repair and was far more important.

"No feasibility study has been undertaken and it would not be good financial management," Cr Johns said.

The council has about $6.5 million in reserve and the project would cost an estimated $500,000.

Councillor John LeFevre said lives depended on the airstrip. He said it was an essential service but was against using council reserves.

Mayor Sarah Schmerl said the council was exploring options.

"We would be foolish to go ahead with the project without applying for government grants," Cr Schmerl said.