BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SET TO SOAR THANKS TO PARKES AIRPORT BUSINESS PARK EXTENSION

Aviation-support industries and aeronautical businesses will continue to have a first-class home in regional NSW following an extension to the Parkes Regional Airport Business Park.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1.55 million contribution was an investment in the region’s aviation industry.

“As a well-established national transport hub with links to both major cities and the country, Parkes is the ideal location for aviation industries to flourish,” Mr McCormack said.

“With better links between the tarmac and taxi lanes as well as an extension to the tarmac, a new taxi lane and better connection of services to the commercial hangar, this is a major modernisation of one of Australia’s most important regional airports.”

Member of the NSW Legislative Council Wes Fang congratulated Parkes Shire Council on the project, saying it will help the town continue to harness new growth opportunities for the region.

“Parkes is now better placed to attract new business investment, capitalising on the movement of metropolitan-based business to regional areas,” Mr Fang said.

“With its key road, rail and air links, Parkes is a common-sense location for industry investment, and these upgrades are going to make it even more attractive for new business opportunities.

“We are committed to helping regional communities like Parkes capitalise on their strengths and achieve economic growth through programs such as the Restart NSW Regional Tourism Infrastructure program which is delivering $80 million in NSW Government investment into improving airports across the state.

“It’s just one small part of the unprecedented investment the NSW Government is making into new and improved infrastructure in our regions.”

Parkes Shire Councillor and Chair of Economic Development – Airport Sub Committee Alan Ward said this project was part of a suite of investments in the region, including the construction of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail, expansion of CMOC Northparkes Mines and establishment of the CleanTeq Sunrise Nickel Cobalt Scandium Project.

“Following the announcement that Parkes will be established as the State's first Special Activation Precinct, we are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of enquiries from businesses looking to capitalise on Parkes’ strategic potential,” Councillor Ward said.

"This project will facilitate further investment opportunities in the airport industrial precinct by unlocking a commercial hangar precinct, new airside apron and service upgrades."

This $3,115,000 project was jointly funded with the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government investing $1,557,500, the NSW Government investing $1,030,000 and Parkes Shire Council $527,500.