Campaspe Shire Mayor, Rob Amos has applauded the announcement of $2.35 million in Commonwealth Government funding for urgent upgrade works to the Echuca Aerodrome.
The grant is being provided under Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program.
Mayor Amos said the upgrade of the aerodrome had been a key advocacy priority of Council for more than a decade to ensure the continuation of vital air services for the people of Campaspe Shire and the surrounding region.
“Firstly, I’d like to commend the shire officers for their work undertaken to secure this funding,” Mayor Amos said.
“Upgrade of the aerodrome will enable the continuation of vital medical access to regional cross-border communities by providing a safe, accessible airstrip.
“This will ensure the community continues to receive urgent health and medical assistance.”
He said the need for facility upgrades had been identified during the past decade in consultation with key stakeholders, including Air Ambulance Victoria (AAV), Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) and emergency services operators, as well as other airport user groups and the wider community.
The upgrade will ensure the aerodrome meets industry standards, remains operational, providing long term sustainability while also creating jobs and catering for the growth in population, tourism and recreational aircraft users, the Mayor said.
The overall estimated cost of the upgrade is $4.8 million with Council committing $2.45 million towards the project.
With project designs already completed, Council anticipates the project will get underway during the 2023/24 financial year with completion by the end of 2024, subject to regulations and approvals.
