The Australian Government will invest $1.185 million to construct a flood protected access road to Port Macquarie Airport, through Round 4 of its flagship $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund, announced today.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will provide a further $1.185 million, bringing the total investment to $2.37 million.
The new access road will help keep essential air services accessible and reduce reliance on the flood-prone existing access road.
The project will deliver an 800-metre sealed road connecting Boundary Street and The Binnacle, with drainage, fencing, lockable gates and road safety signage for use when the existing route is inaccessible.
The two-year project will help maintain medical flights, emergency operations and essential deliveries and support the planned NSW Air Ambulance base.
The Australian Government established the Disaster Ready Fund to reduce risk and build resilience in communities across Australia.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"The Disaster Ready Fund is about getting ahead of disasters by investing in mitigation and resilience now, so communities are better protected into the future.
"This access road will be vital, ensuring Port Macquarie remains connected via air travel in the event of flooding.
"It will also ensure continued access for emergency services, which is paramount during a natural disaster."
Quotes attributable to Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts:
"We welcome the Australian Government's $1.185 million investment through the Disaster Ready Fund, which will help ensure our airport remains accessible during flood events, allowing critical emergency services, medical flights and essential operations to continue when our community needs them most.
"I'd like to thank Minister McBain for visiting Port Macquarie during the floods last year to see first-hand the important role our Airport plays in times of disaster and for coming back to personally make this important follow-up announcement. We look forward to continuing to work with the Australian Government and Minister McBain on other key infrastructure projects for the benefit of our broader region."
