BUILDING A BETTER TEMORA AIRPORT

TEMORA Airport is set to become an even bigger tourist attraction thanks to a significant investment from the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government.

Riverina MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack was in Temora today to announce a $5,353,151 grant through round three of the Government’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund.

Mr McCormack said the funding will upgrade the original Temora Aerodrome runway and associated main apron and taxiways.

“The immensely popular Warbirds Downunder Airshow, which is the largest gathering of Warbird aircraft in Australia, attracted 22,000 spectators at the 2018 event,” Mr McCormack said.

“This funding injection will enable the operation of large aircraft which will further establish the Temora Aviation Museum as a world-class tourist attraction, which will also give the local economy a significant boost.”

Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman said the funding will be boost to the local community.

“I have to say this news just made our whole year,” Councillor Firman said.

“This means a great deal for future-proofing this crucial asset for the Temora Shire community.

“Our airport and our aviation museum has a rich history and an exciting future – and this announcement further secures this.

“I can’t thank our Federal Member, Deputy Prime Minister McCormack, enough for his strong and genuine support of Temora Shire.”

The funding will also upgrade the drainage network to help prevent intermittent flooding on the runway, aprons and taxiways.

Mr McCormack said the Building Better Regions Fund is about supporting local regions.

“We are supporting our regions through investing in important local infrastructure, as well as great community-building and planning initiatives under the Building Better Regions Fund and other Government priorities such as the Stronger Communities Programme and our decentralisation agenda,” Mr McCormack said.

“In this round we are also investing more than $70 million of the $204.3 million available in regional tourism infrastructure, to support those many regional communities that rely on tourism to bolster their economy.

“We have seen fantastic outcomes from the first two rounds, and today’s announcement continues our commitment to unlocking the economic potential of regional Australia and ensuring our regions continue to thrive.”

Mr McCormack also announced $867,241 in BBRF funding towards a new commercial precinct at Forbes and $307,442 to upgrade the roofing on the Cultural Centre and Bonsai House at the Cowra Japanese Garden.