Double funding for airport improvements

BENDIGO Airport has received $143,000 as part of Round 4 of the Federal Government’s Regional Airports Program.

With an additional $143,000 contribution from the City of Greater Bendigo, the sum will be used for resurfacing the western end of the facility’s second runway, plus resurfacing and line marking of aprons, taxiways and taxi lanes within the General Aviation and Northern Hangars precincts.

The works are designed to improve safety and access at the airport, supporting its ongoing use by aeromedical services including Victoria’s Air Ambulance, aerial firefighting and flight training.

The announcement builds on the nearly $100 million that has already been delivered to support 194 projects across the country under the first three rounds of the program.

Federal member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said “it’s always a great day” to be able to announce further investment in the growing aviation hub.

“The Bendigo Airport is a vital asset to the (local) community, and recent expansion of commercial passenger services has been fantastic for residents and the economy,” she said.

“We need our regional aviation for lots of reasons – one is to attract and encourage tourism, but (also) to encourage industry to our regional cities.”

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf thanked the Government for its continued support and investing in “this important aviation infrastructure for our region.”

According to the mayor, more than 2600 passengers came through the airport on Qantas flights in January, which is the busiest it’s ever been since flights to and from Sydney started.