MP calls out airport snub

FEDERAL member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters has criticised the Federal Government for again not funding an upgrade to the Bendigo Airport.

The City of Greater Bendigo applied for a $5 million grant under the latest round of the Building Better Regions Fund.

“This is the fourth time the City has applied for funding to the terminal and and yet again the Federal Government has not prioritised the project for funding,” she said.

Ms Chesters said an upgrade to the airport is the “the number one project” for Central Victoria.

In July, the Federal Government invested $300,000  for a helipad and a truck parking area.

Earlier this year, the Bendigo Airport received $5 million from the State Government and $1 million from the City of Greater Bendigo.

Funding to the airport could result in a major upgrade to the terminal, allowing for more people to fly in and out of Bendigo.

“Pre-COVID it was a very successful flying route and what was stopping Qantas from putting more planes on was the capacity of the airport terminal,” Ms Chesters said.

Senator Sarah Henderson said almost 1100 applications were received, with over $1.69 billion in funding sought, in round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund.

“While I am disappointed Bendigo Airport missed out on further funding in this round, I will continue to work with the City of Greater Bendigo on this important project to which the Coalition Government has already provided close to $6 million,” she said.