JMR with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Barnaby Joyce
Bendigo Airport and Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome are among 89 regional airports nationwide set to benefit from grants totalling nearly $30 million under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the funding will provide a major boost to aviation infrastructure at the two vital regional aviation hubs.
“I am delighted to announce a grant of $300,000 to Greater Bendigo City Council to construct a concrete helicopter stand for use by emergency service and other visiting helicopters and a concrete fuel truck parking area to provide an environmentally safe parking space for the fuel truck at Bendigo Airport,” Senator Henderson said.
“This project will directly benefit emergency service helicopters that come to Bendigo Airport providing vital services to the region.
“The Morrison Government is also investing $143,600 to Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Management to completely reseal the central 18 metre wide sections of both runways and the existing sealed taxiways at Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome.
“This work will be of benefit to all users including emergency services.
“An additional grant of $258,500 will enable Moorabool Shire Council to carry out work at Bacchus Marsh Airport to improve the safety of the taxi lanes by undertaking works to address the drainage system and by widening the northern taxi lane.
“Every dollar spent on local infrastructure is a dollar well spent and I look forward to working with the community to deliver this vital funding as we continue recovering from the pandemic,” Senator Henderson said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the program supports important safety and access upgrades for regional airports.
“For our regional communities, the local airport provides an essential link to the rest of Australia,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“That’s why we’ve committed $100 million over four years from 2019–20 to 2022–23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver upgrades to improve runway and taxiway pavements, install new lighting or fencing.
“These projects will improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers, the delivery of goods and services and better meet the operational requirements of aeromedical and other emergency services, including supporting bushfire preparedness.
“This is a great example of our Government backing the aviation industry whilst boosting local economies to help secure a stronger future for these regional areas.”
For a full list of successful projects and more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit gov.au/regionalaviation.
28 July 2021