Mildura Airport will have its runway extended to improve safety and expand the operation of heavy aircraft.
The Victorian Government will invest $5 million towards the $25 million Runway Extension Project at Victoria’s largest and busiest regional airport.
The upgrade will extend the maximum runway length – allowing heavy aircraft to operate at heavier weights in hot weather – and provide new runway end safety areas, more runway lighting and blast fences at runway ends.
An extended runway will support the projected increase in passenger numbers at the airport, which is forecast to double over the next 10 years with 102,000 visitors expected to visit Mildura each year by 2030.
Victorian Treasurer, Tim Pallas, said, “We were elected to put people first right across Victoria, and we’ve spent every day of the last two years achieving that by building a state that is stronger and fairer.
“Through the Andrews Labor Government’s investment, more people will be able to experience Mildura and our gateway regions more often.”
When complete, the project will create up to 700 direct and indirect jobs long term and generate more than $20 million in economic benefits each year.
It aims to improve tourism in the region by improved links to major centres like Melbourne and Adelaide.
The agricultural supply chain is expected to see reduced braking and take-off related costs, which would support national and international market access.
Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, said, “We’re investing in infrastructure projects that support regional economies grow and put people first.
”By upgrading Mildura Airport, we’re boosting jobs and supporting the visitor economy and the agricultural supply chain that relies on efficient access to freight movement.”
