I am concerned that Bendigo Labor MP Lisa Chesters has again sought to mislead local residents about Commonwealth support for the Bendigo Airport.
While I am disappointed Bendigo Airport missed out on further funding under round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), this $300 million fund is highly competitive. Almost 1,100 applications were received seeking more than $1.69 billion in funding.
The Coalition Government has delivered almost $6 million to the Bendigo Airport, to date, being:
- $300,000 under round 2 of the Regional Airports Program to fully fund the construction of a helicopter stand and a fuel truck parking area, vital for emergency services;
- $465,000 under round 1 of the Regional Airports Program to fund an expansion of the airport’s passenger transport apron and construct a run-up area; and
- $5 million to construct a new runway to suit aircraft capable of carrying up to 70 passengers, as well as to upgrade lighting, taxiways and associated infrastructure.
I will continue to advocate, on behalf of council, for funding for the proposed $10 million expansion of the airport’s terminal and business park. Once the business park is fully operational, it’s estimated the airport will generate $8.9 million in economic output each year.
13 October 2021