IMPORTANT FUNDING FOR AIRPORT UPGRADES
Three airports in the Riverina and Central West have been given funding to improve facilities as part of Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Regional Airports Program.
The airports at Cowra, Wagga Wagga and West Wyalong are among the 89 across the nation which are benefiting from $29.6 million in grants.
Mr McCormack said the funding would go towards important infrastructure upgrades.
“This funding – $260,000 to Cowra Airport, $1.737 million for Wagga Wagga Airport and $450,000 to West Wyalong Airport – will ensure each of those facilities continue to provide the services these local communities expect and deserve,” Mr McCormack said.
“The funding will go towards important works such as resurfacing runways, upgrading lighting and drainage works.
“These projects will not only improve these airports; they will create jobs as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As the former Minister for Transport, I know how much these grants mean to regional airports across the nation.
“I put in place the Regional Airports Program in the 2019-20 Budget – a commitment of $100 million over four years as part of a suite of measures to improve regional and remote aviation.
“This is part of the $110 billion record infrastructure funding roll-out right across the nation.”
Bland Shire Mayor Councillor Brian Monaghan said the grant would significantly benefit the West Wyalong airport.
“These are urgent works critical to the airport and will put the facility in good stead for the next 30 years,” Cr Monaghan said.
Cowra Mayor Councillor Bill West described the grant as very welcome news.
“It allows Council to continue to improve the maintenance and increase the capacity of the airport,” Cr West said.
“Council is actively pursuing greater usage of the airport.”
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said updated lighting would add to recent upgrades to the taxiway and general aviation area which would combine to improve safety and operational capacity at Wagga Wagga Airport.
“Council appreciates any funding opportunity and investment into regional airports,” Cr Conkey said.
“Maintaining and improving a regional airport’s infrastructure is an ongoing challenge for Wagga Wagga City Council and even more so with the advent of COVID-19 and the flow-on effects on the airline industry.
“These are extremely challenging times for all parties involved.”
For a full list of successful projects and more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit https://infrastructure.gov.au/regionalaviation.
Applicant | Aerodrome/Airport | Project | Australian Government funding
Bland Shire Council | West Wyalong | Resurfacing the runway, resealing the taxiway and upgrading the runway lighting | $450,729
Cowra Shire Council | Cowra | Installation of apron flood lighting and poles, a PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) system and taxiway drainage works | $260,000
Wagga Wagga City Council | Wagga Wagga | Upgrade lighting infrastructure to improve night and low visibility operations | $1,737,000