The Victorian Government is investing $850,000 in Mildura Airport to support its recovery following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas, met with representatives from Mildura Airport to discuss the future of the important facility, which prior to the pandemic was one of the busiest regional airports in Victoria.
“Mildura Airport is a critical part of the local economy and community, and it’s vital that it continues to be a strong contributor,” Ms Thomas said.
“This funding will deliver significant benefits for local businesses and the community, and help ensure the Mallee becomes an even better place to live, work, visit and invest.”
The new support will help the airport recover from a 95 per cent drop in revenue experienced between March and November 2020. During that time, passenger numbers dropped from over 20,000 a month to around 500 a month, with volumes now slowly rebuilding.
Mildura Airport is a vital cog in the region’s economy and is geographically important given its location on the New South Wales border and proximity to South Australia.
The airport provides critical connectivity for business and leisure travel. It also provides emergency medical flights and allows movement of emergency services and other essential workers during times of crisis.
The continued operation of Mildura Airport will support the region’s economic and social recovery, ensuring the vital transport link remains open to locals and visitors.
The Victorian Government also announced a contribution of $290,000 from the Victorian Country Market program to the Murray Regional Tourism Board to support marketing campaigns for domestic tourism.The investment will enable tourism businesses from the region to participate in this year’s Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show.
Tourism is the Murray region’s second largest employer, supporting over 18,000 jobs and contributing over $2 billion in direct expenditure to the local economy.
Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp, said, “Tourism is vital to the strength of Mildura and the Mallee, which is why we are supporting the Murray Regional Tourism Board with this important investment.”
The latest investment in the Mildura region is key to the Victorian Government’s $8 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria in the Victorian Budget 2020/21 to support communities to come back stronger than ever.
