Runway extension to take off under Labor

LABOR will invest fourteen million dollars in the Ballarat Airport if they form Federal government after enabling an extension of the runway.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Regional Development, Anthony Albanese said the upgrade, which includes an extension of the runway to 1800 metres, would be a “major boost” to the area economically, as well as a creator of construction jobs.

“This is the sort of level that you need to fly Dash Eights, or the Saab aircraft that are so common in regional flights, into this great city of Ballarat,” he said.

“Longer runways are safer runways, and so for all who use the airport, it’s a very good thing indeed.”

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh said the council has been working towards this announcement for over a decade.

“It is very important for us to be connected to our regions, and not just to our regions, but all around the country. We  know a longer, stronger, broader runway will allow for the appropriate aircraft, to host an emergency services facility,” she said.

“Without a north south runway connected, that can’t be done.” Cr McIntosh urged the Liberal party to make their own commitment to this project.