THE HON SIMON CREAN MP
Minister for Regional Australia
Minister for Regional Development and Local Government
Minister for the Arts
SEN THE HON KATE LUNDY
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
**JOINT MEDIA RELEASE***
Friday, 10 February, 2012
$15 MILLION UPGRADE FOR PORT MACQUARIE AIRPORT
Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Senator Kate Lundy, today announced a $15 million upgrade to the Port Macquarie Airport through the Community Infrastructure Grants Program.
Mr Crean said the project would encourage regional development and strengthen Port Macquarie’s economic base.
“The Port Macquarie region is one of the fastest growing areas in New South Wales,” Mr Crean said.
“The airport upgrade will enable larger aircraft to access the New South Wales Mid North Coast, boost tourism and potentially attract new airlines to the region.
“The Australian Government is partnering with local government to deliver long term improvements in the productivity, liveability and sustainability of communities.
“We are helping communities face-up to the challenges of an economy in transition by supporting their economic diversification with strong investments in locally-driven projects.”
The Port Macquarie Upgrade is one of 88 projects funded through the Community Infrastructure Grants Program, which is part of the $258 million regional community funding package committed to by the Gillard Labor Government in the 2010 election.
The project includes:
- upgrading the Port Macquarie Airport main runway to Code 4C standard to accommodate larger aircraft including B737-800 and A320 Airbus series;
- lengthening the runway to 1,800 metres and widening to 45 metres and pavement strengthened with asphalt overlay; and
- upgrading and extending existing taxiway and apron system.
Senator Lundy said the future development of the airport will make it the premier gateway to the Mid North Coast.
“This project, identified by the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, will have long term benefits for the region and New South Wales,” Senator Lundy said.
“Increased visitor numbers will lift the region’s tourism potential, and this major infrastructure project will raise a significant number of new employment opportunities across the Mid North Coast.”
The project expects to provide 122 full-time equivalent job opportunities during construction with the potential of 408 positions on completion.
Community Infrastructure Grants Program funding is directed towards enhancing local economies through a range of projects such as community centre redevelopments, major sports grounds, heritage sites, emergency services headquarters and local leisure centre developments.
