Funding boost for runway upgrades
The upgrade works at the Merimbula Airport have been given another exciting boost, with the Federal Government announcing a $4.5 million funding injection over the weekend.
Photograph: The upgrade works at the Merimbula Airport have been given another boost, with the Federal Government announcing a $4.5 million funding injection.
15 June 2020
The upgrade works at the Merimbula Airport have been given another exciting boost, with the Federal Government announcing a $4.5 million funding injection over the weekend.
This new money will go towards improving the existing runway to achieve a formal strength rating for the Saab340 aircraft and further increase the rating to accommodate for the ATR72 and Dash8Q400 aircraft.
Extensions to the runway; the addition of further general aviation infrastructure, such as taxiways and vehicle access; and the expansion of the commercial development of the airport site are also planned.
Both Council and the NSW State Government are also providing significant contributions towards these important infrastructure upgrades.
This latest funding announcement comes after Bega Valley Shire Council was encouraged by the Deputy Prime Minister (in late 2019) to apply for support under through the Regional Airports Program that assists the owners of regional airports to undertake essential works, in turn promoting aviation safety and access for regional Australians.
Aviation experts Lambert and Rehbein, with a team including engineers and runway specialists, have led the plan development for the runway improvements.
Bega Valley Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Sharon Tapscott, said like all regional areas, our airport is an essential link for our community to the rest of the country and the wider world.
“This project is needed to allow a greater range of aircraft and airlines to provide both passenger and freight services to the region,” Cr Tapscott said.
“The successful completion of the strengthening and extension, which are consistent with the current approved master plan for the site and complement the recently competed terminal upgrade and are vital to enable the airport to better adapt to the ongoing growth of passenger numbers.
“A more accessible airport will attract more domestic and international visitors to our beautiful Sapphire Coast and in turn provide a real boost to our local small businesses.”
For more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/regional/rap.aspx
For more information on the Merimbula Airport project, contact Council’s project manager, Jenny Symons, on (02) 6499 2222.
END
Making an enquiry
All media enquiries and interview requests are coordinated by Council's Communication and Events team under the adopted Communications Policy. To view this policy, visit Public Policies and search 'communications'.
To submit a media enquiry or to request an interview:
- email media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
- call 02 6499 2222
Councillors
Councillors can be contacted directly for enquiries regarding decisions of the elected Council and non-operational matters. Interviews with the Mayor should be arranged through the Communication and Events team contact details above.
Receiving information
If you’re a journalist or media organisation that would like to receive media releases and notifications about media opportunities, please email your name, title and contact details to media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au and we will add you to our distribution list.
You can also subscribe to Bega Valley Together and Business News, Council's fortnightly e-newsletters, or follow @begavalleyshirecouncil on Facebook and Instagram.
© Bega Valley Shire Council 2024
Our council websites
Contact Us
- 02 6499 2222
- council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
-
Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550 -
Monday to Friday 9.00AM to 4.30PM
Administration building Zingel Place Bega
Australia -
ABN: 26 987 935 332
Was this helpful?