Election focus sharpens call on Avalon Airport

WITH the 2026 Victorian election looming, leaders from across Geelong and Wyndham have united to call for major state investment in Avalon Airport and its surrounding employment precinct.

The City of Greater Geelong, City of Wyndham, Committee for Geelong, Committee for Wyndham and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce are urging the Victorian government and election candidates from other parties to support Avalon’s growth as Victoria’s second international airport.

The group says the airport and its industrial precinct are critical economic assets capable of delivering significant growth across both municipalities, including new jobs, expanded freight capacity and stronger regional and international connectivity.

Their priorities include targeted state investment to elevate Avalon as the state’s second major airport, with the aim of attracting new airlines and routes, alongside a three-year program of matched funding delivered through a public-private partnership.

The group has also suggested the government establish a $1 billion regional infrastructure fund which, as part of its remit, could support the development of infrastructure across the Avalon precinct to enable the expansion.

Improving access to the airport has been identified by the group as essential, with calls for upgrades to Beach Road, as well as the delivery of the Avalon Airport Rail Link in the longer term.

Avalon Airport chief operating officer David Moreland said the airport was already reshaping Victoria’s aviation and logistics landscape.

“Avalon Airport stands at the forefront of Victoria’s international future, emerging as a dynamic passenger and freight gateway that is reshaping aviation and visitation, expanding industrial capability and creating thousands of new jobs,” he said.

“With the right investment, Avalon will unlock world-class global connectivity, building a thriving industrial and logistics hub, strengthening Victoria’s global competitiveness, while providing significant economic benefits to the region.”

Passenger flights have operated from Avalon since 2004, and Jetstar will begin international services to Bali in March. FlyPelican also operates passenger flights to Canberra and every two years the airport hosts the Australian International Airshow, attracting more than 195,000 attendees.

Committee for Geelong chief executive Michael Johnston said Avalon already held strategic importance.

“Avalon is already an important freight and logistics hub, and one that can grow to be of state and national significance,” he said. “Strategic investment will not only support aviation and freight but also deliver innovation and industry growth across Geelong and beyond.”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said state backing of Avalon would have far-reaching economic impacts.

“With the right investment, Avalon will become our state’s second international airport, driving jobs, freight capacity, and connectivity for millions of Victorians,” he said.

“This is about unlocking economic potential and ensuring regional Victoria thrives alongside metropolitan Melbourne.”

The Victorian election will be held in November.