Broken Hill has received $5 million toward an upgrade of the airport runway through the NSW Government's Regional Development Trust.
Minister For Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, announced the funding this morning with Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, and Broken Hill Mayor Tom Kennedy.
Council is aiming to increase the strength and weight capacity of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, which will improve access for business, education, health, and emergency services.
Council will also contribute $1 million toward the project, and will approach the Federal Government for the remaining funds needed to complete the $15.5 million upgrade.
"Funding to support upgrades at the Broken Hill Airport will mean bigger planes can land, helping locals stay connected to essential services and giving tourism and business a real boost," said Ms Moriarty.
Mayor Kennedy said the grant would provide an important platform from which Council could seek Federal financial support for the much-needed runway upgrade.
"Council has been pursuing Government funding for this upgrade for many years, so it's great to see the level of support we've received from the NSW Government," said Mayor Kennedy.
"There's going to be a significant increase in demand for air travel in the coming years as major mining and energy projects ramp up in the region along with tourism demand, and it is critical that Broken Hill's airport infrastructure can handle that growth."
Along with the airport funding, Ms Moriarty also announced $1.8 million to develop an Aboriginal cultural centre for Narrabri, $1.24 million for an upgrade to White Cliffs caravan park, and $799,999 to provide funding for eight allied health assistants to be placed in schools in Wilcannia and Broken Hill to assist developmentally vulnerable children.
