The Coalition Government has announced that if re-elected it will join with the NSW State Government to redevelop Merimbula Airport, increasing interstate and international tourism and trade.
The $5.6million upgrade of Merimbula Airport will enable larger planes to regularly service the Far South Coast from interstate capitals, while leveraging new international flight routes from Canberra.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced this project and a $44million expansion of the Port of Eden as part of an initiative to create two major new gateways to the Far South Coast of NSW.
These projects are expected to see visitor numbers soar and provide more convenient travel options for local businesses and residents, as well as more reliable health and emergency services.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the expanded airport was an important element of his National Economic Plan.
“These vital investments will create jobs, open new markets and expand opportunities on the Far South Coast,” Mr Turnbull said.
Mr Baird said the State Government was committed to delivering services that will unleash the economic potential of regional NSW.
“This upgrade will trigger a range of benefits for locals and tourists and will not only reduce passenger congestion but paves the way for a better visitor experience, and more reliable health and emergency services,” Mr Baird said.
Member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy said the upgrade is crucial to support increased passenger services.
“The Merimbula Airport upgrade is the number one economic development priority of the Bega Shire and the Port of Eden expansion will be transformative,” Mr Hendy said.
“Together, they will open up enormous new tourism and trade opportunities for the Bega Valley.”
Work is expected to commence in 2016 on the upgrade of Merimbula Airport, which comprises $1.2million from the Federal Government and $4.4million from the State Government.
