WINDOW MAY BE OPEN FOR AIRPORT WORKS

The Morrison Government has this week suggested that the upcoming Regional Airports Program may be able to provide the funding needed for vital upgrades at Ballarat Airport.

Prior to this year’s election only Labor recognised the importance of this upgrade, promising to invest $14 million in the project.

Last month Catherine King wrote to Michael McCormack, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, calling on the Government to invest in upgrading our airport to the standard required by a growing regional city.

This week Ms King received a reply from Minister McCormack, pointing to the upcoming Regional Airports Program as a potential avenue for funding.

“This airport upgrade would offer significant benefits for our city and our region”, Ms King said.

“I strongly encourage the government to invest in this project through the upcoming Regional Airports Program.”

The project at Ballarat Airport would have expanded the main runway’s length to at least 1,800 metres – delivering a significant, long-term infrastructure asset for our city.

The expansion of the runway at Ballarat Airport will allow larger aircraft to fly in and out of Ballarat, encouraging further economic development across our region.

“While this project won’t turn our airport into a busy hub with countless flights a day, the expansion will be the first step towards developing Ballarat Airport into a facility appropriate for a growing regional city.”

“If the Government is serious about investing in regional Australian and in getting our economy back on track, I would expect the Ballarat Airport upgrade to be near the top of their list.”

“The Government ignored our region during the election campaign, refusing to invest in important projects like the Airport upgrade, BIRCH or Her Majesty’s. Investing in this project would start to show that they are committed to investing in all Australians, not just those in Liberal-held seats.”

The Regional Airports Program will provide $100 million over the next 4 years to undertake works at regional airports. Further information on the program will be released later in 2019.