Alpine Shire’s new and improved Mount Beauty Airport is ready for takeoff, with major works recently completed and the runway now open for use.
The $3.3 million upgrade project included lengthening the existing runway by 600 metres and widening it by eight metres, constructing a new surface, an upgrade to drainage infrastructure at the site, and new fencing for much of the airport perimeter.
Shire Mayor, John Forsyth said at 18 metres wide and just over 1.5km in length, the runway now has the capacity to service a wide range of light and emergency aircraft.
“This new facility will be a fantastic asset for the community into the future, and these upgrades will provide benefits to the entire region,” Mayor Forsyth said.
“For example, just last week Council received a call from Major Road Projects Victoria who are looking to utilise the facility to support fly in-fly out workforces to tackle the Falls Creek landslide.
“The upgraded runway will also improve access for Forest Fire Management and other fire-fighting services, providing greater flexibility for fire management services to manage local and regional emergencies, as well as improved access for Air Ambulance Victoria fixed-wing aircraft.”
He said the upgrades will provide an economic boost for the region, with an expected increase in recreational flights to and from the airport.
Some minor works are still to be completed and will be addressed whilst the facility is open for use with only minor inconvenience to users anticipated, the Mayor said.
The Mount Beauty Airport Upgrade was jointly funded by a $1.55 million Regional Airports Program Grant, and Council’s contribution of $1.78 million.
