Airport works taxing towards take off

UPGRADES to Ballarat’s airport are a step closer following the announcement of five-million dollars for stage one of the project by the Federal government.

The cash is coming via the Regional Airports Program, which according to council documents will be matched by the City of Ballarat in the 2020/21 budget. The money will be spent on lengthening the north-south runway by 700 meters.

“Council has committed $5 million to this project, the money from the Australian government will ensure first stage works can go ahead, work to make that happen will begin immediately,” said mayor Cr Ben Taylor.

“The reinstatement of the north-south runway is a foundation project for Ballarat and region; it will bring significant benefits, facilitating commercial growth opportunities, ensuring year-round access, improving regional connectivity and maximising use of a vital regional transport asset.”

The $10 million stage one works are part the airport’s overall masterplan with further stages seeking to lengthening and strengthening the east-west runway.

“We will be looking for further funding support to deliver the next stage of the airport upgrade,” Cr Taylor said.

“A lengthened and strengthened runway is expected to accommodate an additional 14 businesses, 77 new direct jobs and 255 additional indirect jobs, above the current 100 jobs located at the site.”

Overall, the Federal government gave away $41.2 million for regional airports across the country last Saturday, with each facility required to match the Commonwealth’s contribution dollar-for-dollar.

“For our regional communities, the local airport is an essential link to the rest of Australia,” said deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.

“The government is investing in regional airports because we know this infrastructure is key to securing our regional aviation network now and into the post-COVID future.”

Member for Ballarat Catherine King welcomed the funding announcement, noting she and her party had pledged money for the works during the 2019 Federal election campaign.

“Ballarat is a growing regional centre, and we need an airport to match,” she said.

“Regional airports are assets to cities and regions across the country, but too often they have been forgotten when it comes to funding under this government.

“That’s why at the last election Labor committed $14 million towards a $22.5 million extension of the runway to bring Ballarat Airport into the 21st century.”