Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and Narrabri Mayor Ron Campbell pictured at Narrabri Airport.

Three airports in the Parkes electorate will be safer and more accessible thanks to $5.7 million in funding for important upgrades.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed today’s announcement that Broken Hill City Council, Dubbo Regional Council and Narrabri Shire Council had each received a share of funding under Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program.

The local funding includes:

• $4,998,048 for Broken Hill City Council to upgrade aircraft pavement movement areas at Broken Hill Airport,
• $572,500 for Dubbo Regional Council for stage 3 of a general aviation drainage upgrade at the Dubbo Regional Airport, and
• $96,925 for Narrabri Shire Council to install hinged poles and LED floodlights to the apron at Narrabri Airport.

“This is fantastic news for each of these three councils,” Mr Coulton said.

“Broken Hill City Council has a long-term vision to capitalise on upcoming mining and energy projects to grow the silver city, and the airport plays a significant role in this plan. It’s vital that the Broken Hill Airport can cater to the increased demand for air travel that will ramp up as these projects get underway and more people look to call Broken Hill home.

“This funding follows on the back of a $4.98 million investment from the NSW Government and will enable council to get the ball rolling on the major upgrade of the airport, to ultimately accommodate larger aircraft such as Boeing 737 planes and improve travel between Broken Hill and larger centres.

“Likewise, Dubbo Regional Airport is a key transport link for people throughout the Central West so it’s important that the infrastructure is up-to-scratch. Dubbo Regional Council received $300,000 under the previous round of the Regional Airports Program, and I’m pleased this latest funding will enable these upgrades to continue.

“Narrabri Shire Council also benefitted from funding under the first two rounds of this program, so it’s great that a further $96,925 has been provided for additional safety improvements.”

Mr Coulton said the Regional Airport Program was an initiative of the former Coalition Government to ensure our regions are better and more safely connected.

“Our regional airports provide a critical link to major cities which is not only important for tourism but for the health, economic development and growth of our communities,” Mr Coulton said.

“I’m proud that the former Coalition Government recognised the importance of this and committed $100 million over four years from 2019–20 to 2022–23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver upgrades to improve air services.”

For more information about the Regional Airports Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/aviation/regional-remote-aviation/regional-airports-program