City of Ballarat has welcomed an ALP promise that if it is elected at the 18 May federal election it will invest $ 14 million at the Ballarat Airport.
The proposed upgrades will rejoin and upgrade the north south runway to allow year-round access and provide capacity for larger aircraft.
Ballarat Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh welcomed the promise saying a fully functioning regional airport is a core piece of regional integrated transport infrastructure that includes road, rail and air transport.
"If the airport is to reach its full potential to service and connect the broader region the north south runway needs to be extended, reinforced and strengthened. We also need to plan for future development of an air-based emergency services hub with a focus on aerial fire and flood response capacity", Mayor McIntosh said.
"The Ballarat airport is an essential part of an integrated approach to transport where air, rail and road networks combine to provide efficient connections across the region.
"As Ballarat continues to grow at a rapid rate this connectivity is particularly crucial. It will bring enormous benefits to the entire western half of the state", Cr McIntosh said.
"I hope that the Liberal-National Coalition will match this funding promise, given its federal budget commitment of $100 million for regional air infrastructure."
