Regional NSW airports up for much-needed upgrades

Regional airports across New South Wales are set to be upgraded as the Australian Government invests about $12 million towards the program of works that will help build the nation’s future. 

Airports are vital for regional communities by providing critical access to emergency healthcare, commerce, industry, tourism and education. 

The new funding is provided under the Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program and it will deliver essential upgrades that will improve safety, enhance accessibility and boost capacity at regional airports. Works to be delivered will include runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage. 

“We’re backing regional communities by backing regional aviation, bcause we know our regions deserve access to critical service that only aviation can deliver. 

“Upgrades like these aren’t just improvements, they’re the difference between regional residents getting medical help, firefighters getting access during an emergency and economies growing through tourism. 

“We want our regions to remain connected to loved ones, healthcare and opportunity,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Bega Valley Shire Council will receive about $3.8 million to deliver the second stage of Merimbula Airport’s runway extension, which will include building an 80-metre pavement extension at both ends of the runway to provide an 1,800-metre runway take-off length. 

By extending the length of the runway, larger narrow-bodied aircraft will be able to land at the airport, supporting emergency services such as larger firefighting and military aircraft. The extended runway will also provide additional capacity for passenger services, helping boost the local economy and tourism sector while also protecting the region’s community. 

“Merimbula Airport is a critical access point for our community and emergency services during disasters, which is why I’m proud to deliver over $3.7 million towards this runway extension. 

“This upgrade will support larger aerial firefighting tanker aircraft to land when we need them most, make it easier for larger military transport to operate out of the airport, and also increase the safety for in-flight emergency recoveries. 

“The extended runway will also ensure Merimbula Airport continues to attract aircraft that support our local businesses and visitor economy – while keeping people connected to work, health services and family,” Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said. 

Further north in Moruya, Eurobodalla Shire Council will receive more than $200,000 to reseal the runway, taxiways and apron pavement as well as replace the apron lighting at Moruya Airport. 

These works will ensure the continued safe operations of the airport, safeguarding its role as a lifeline for the community and a gateway for access to vital services and for visitors to the region. In addition, this project will support the continued use of the airport by emergency services, including the RFDS and aerial fire-fighting even for night and low visibility operations, and regular passenger services. 

“I am absolutely delighted to see improvements at Moruya Airport which is a lifeline for our economy, cuts commuting times for local people, and helps get our local produce to national and international markets. 

“Not only that, but many people rely on air services for healthcare, emergency services and to stay connected with family. 

“This investment will create more jobs, help local farmers, and support our social and economic connections across Australia. It’s great news for our regions,” Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said. 

Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program in New South Wales will also include: 

• $5 million for Albury City Council to deliver a full runway overlay to improve safety and strengthen the surface for larger aircraft to land at Albury Airport. This will support visitor levels and emergency services, particularly during bushfire season 

• $1 million for Moree Plains Shire Council to upgrade the aeromedical apron, taxiway and parking bays at Moree Regional Airport, creating a 24-hour aeromedical facility 

• Almost $500,000 for Griffith City Council to replace the ageing runway lights at Griffith Regional Airport, which is critical for safety and ongoing operations, especially for RFDS and NSW Air Ambulance 

• $220,000 for Mid-Western Regional Council to upgrade stormwater drainage at Mudgee Regional Airport, which has experienced prolonged closure due to heavy rain affecting passenger and emergency medical flights 

This funding announcement builds on the almost $100 million that has already been delivered to support 194 projects under the first three rounds of the Regional Airports Program. 

The full list of approved projects in New South Wales under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program can be found here. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Infrastructure Magazine