The State Government has pledged $15 million to upgrade three key airstrips across regional NSW.
The funding from the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust will be invested to upgrade airstrips in White Cliffs, Bourke and Deniliquin.
“The chance to upgrade the local runway to accommodate heavier planes would support health services and local businesses,” said Bourke Shire Mayor, Lachlan Ford.
“Business is booming in Bourke, the opportunity to upgrade the Bourke airstrip will allow for larger aircraft to land to service the health and local business sectors, supporting the local economy, and local jobs.”
Upgrades will include increasing runways, lengths, widths and weight limits, meaning larger planes with bigger loads can be accommodated. Taxiway, lighting and line markings will also be improved to increase visibility and safety for pilots.
It is forecast that new, heavier aircrafts will increasingly be used for health and other emergency services to accommodate more patients, passengers and supplies. These upgrades will ensure that these communities can safely accommodate these services.
“Upgrading the local airstrip would significantly improve access to health services for White Cliffs residents,” said Central Darling Shire Council General Manager, Greg Hill.
“Our community relies heavily on aerial medical services due to our location.
“The opportunity to work with the NSW Government to upgrade the White Cliffs airstrip to accommodate larger and heavier aircraft used by emergency services will significantly improve capacity to deliver life-saving care in our community.”
The selection of the locations follows a statewide audit of regional airstrips, which included consultation with local government, the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Flying Doctor Service, NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Ambulance and Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“Right now, many air ambulances can’t use Deniliquin Airport because the runway is too short and not stable enough. This upgrade will change that,” said State Member for Murray, Helen Dalton.
“I had been lobbying the precious NSW government about the dangerous situation in Deniliquin for a long time and I so commend the Minns Government for taking the communities fears seriously.”
A scope of work for each of the three airstrips has been developed with works on the projects expected to commence by mid-2025.
