Funding commitment to explore Avalon Airport upgrades

THE Albanese Labor Government will provide funding for a feasibility survey to explore major upgrades at Avalon Airport if it is re-elected next week.

The study will investigate options to upgrade Beach Road, which provides the main point of entry to the airport, improve access to the site and help transform the precinct into a transport and logistics hub, a key focus area identified by the G21 Geelong Region Alliance for the precinct earlier this year.

Corio Labor federal member and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles made the $5 million election commitment on Friday last week alongside Avalon chief executive officer Ari Suss.

“There is a huge opportunity here to link up Avalon airport, the industrial park and Port Wilson Wharf into a transport logistics hub and create even more jobs,” Mr Marles said.

“This feasibility study will look at a range of options for the airport, including upgrades to roads and improved access to support Avalon’s growth.”

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the investment will support the ongoing growth of Avalon Airport, which now welcomes about 2,500 workers on site each day.

“Avalon Airport is a significant employer and economic driver for the region, and it’s important that we get the surrounding road infrastructure right for staff and travellers, as well as freight and logistics movement,” she said.

Upgrades to Beach Road are included in a masterplan for the Avalon Airport precinct, approved by the Department of Defence in 2015, alongside an extension to the runway, expansion of the terminal and the construction of a new freight facility.

The election commitment was welcomed by G21 Geelong Region Alliance chief executive Giulia Baggio.

In February, the alliance identified investment in the Avalon precinct as a top three election priority, with investment needed to drive further economic growth in the region.

“We now have a concrete commitment in writing to develop Victoria’s second airport, transport links and a major business zone which is set to house a significant defence manufacturing industry. 10,000 jobs will flow for G21 and Wyndham workforces,” Ms Baggio said.

“Congratulations to the G21 mayors and CEOs who have advocated with federal departments and ministers in recent months and years.

“G21 looks forward to a matching election commitment from our Coalition MPs and bipartisan support to realise Avalon’s full potential.”