Ballina Byron Gateway Airport's runway has been upgraded to meet future aviation demands.
The $20.68 million upgrade which opened today, will support growth for local tourism and businesses as well as provide career opportunities for residents.
The airport was upgraded by overlaying the existing runway surface, replacing the visual approach slope indicator system and improving the runway edge lighting using more energy efficient LED lights.
These works included the design and construction of the 80mm overlay with full width grooving, the installation and repair of surrounding landscaping, and line marking on the runway and taxiway. It also included the installation of runway edge lights and bases, a pit and duct runway lighting cable system, and a precision approach path indicator.
Emergency support aircraft will also benefit from the upgraded runway as they continue to service the Northern Rivers Region.
Emergency aircraft were used across the region during the flood response twice in early 2022 and bushfire response in 2019 and late 2023.
The Australian Government provided $5.5 million to this project and the Ballina Shire Council provided the remainder.
For more information about the project, including FAQs, visit ballinabyronairport.com.au/at-the-airport/projects.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The Australian Government is committed to bolstering connections from Australia's regions to domestic and global market opportunities.
"Since the grant was awarded, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has supported a record-breaking number of flights following the pandemic and is exceeding passenger numbers prior to COVID. The upgrades will continue to support this growth."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot:
"As the local MP, I'm proud to have delivered federal funding for this important upgrade to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.
"The upgrade will boost economic activity and jobs right across our region.
"This Ballina Airport upgrade has supported 186 jobs during construction and has now created 74 ongoing jobs to support the local economy.
"I congratulate Ballina Shire Council on this project that will continue to deliver a tourism gateway to our beautiful region."
Quotes attributable to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Manager Julie Stewart:
"Each year, our busy regional airport supports around 635,000 commercial passengers – this is expected to increase to over 900,000 by 2040.
"Strengthening this important piece of airport infrastructure will extend the runway's lifespan by up to 10 years.
"Our airport is a key gateway for visitors to the beautiful Northern River Region, but the airport is also essential to support emergency service aircraft during regional disasters."
Quotes attributable to Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader:
"An investment in the airport, is an investment in our community and its economy.
"The runway upgrade will ensure the community have continued reliable and safe air services into the future for local tourism and business, while also providing aviation jobs and career opportunities for local residents."
This is a joint media release from Ballina Shire Council, The Hon Catherine King MP, The Hon Justine Elliot MP.
