General News
31 May, 2024
Council welcomes airport funding
THE Federal Government’s budget commitment to upgrade regional airports has been welcomed by Warrnambool City Council.
Warrnambool mayor Ben Blain said the $102 million announced in the budget by federal treasurer Jim Chalmers, for regional and remote airports, provided an opportunity to improve the Warrnambool Regional Airport.
“Our airport is vital for the region,” he said.
“Not only is it a home for the air ambulance it’s also used by other emergency services such as firefighting aircraft, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Victoria Police.
“It has great potential for boosting tourism but we’re currently limited by the length and strength of the runway.
“Upgrading the main runway opens up possibilities for larger aircraft coming from destinations such as Sydney or further afield.”
Council has advocated for regional airport funding for some time and recently voted to present a motion at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly that called for the reintroduction of the Regional Airports Program.
“The announcement by Mr Chalmers is welcome and good news for councils that run airports on behalf of a region and which accommodate Victorian government services,” Cr Blain said.
“Many might be unaware of how busy the Warrnambool airport already is, with sometimes dozens of aircraft movements a day.
“It’s also used extensively by pilot training providers from Melbourne, Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh and Tasmania for flight training, particularly cross-wind landing training.”
