Further funding for airport

Published on 24 January 2023

From the office of Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton

Broken Hill Airport is another step closer to landing larger aircraft after Broken Hill City Council secured a further $5 million in funding for safety upgrades.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton today met with Broken Hill City Council Mayor Tom Kennedy and General Manager Jay Nankivell to discuss the funding, provided under Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program.

“I’m thrilled that Broken Hill City Council has received $4,998,048 in funding to upgrade aircraft pavement movement areas at Broken Hill Airport,” Mr Coulton said.

“This funding is a significant shot-in-the-arm for the major airport upgrade, and follows on the back of a $4.98 million investment from the NSW Government. That’s just under $10 million which will enable Council to get the ball rolling on its plans to upgrade the airport to ultimately accommodate larger aircraft such as Boeing 737 planes, improving travel between Broken Hill and larger centres.

“The airport upgrade is a key part of Council’s long-term vision to capitalise on upcoming mining and energy projects to grow the Silver City.

“This has been a priority of Council’s for some time, and I’m pleased to have been able to work with Council to secure this funding.”

Broken Hill Mayor Tom Kennedy thanked the Federal Government for supporting Broken Hill’s infrastructure at this critical time.

“This funding will allow us to reconstruct the airport's taxi-ways and aprons, which will in turn improve aircraft movement, storage, and safety for both commercial operators and the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” Cr Kennedy said.

“We know there's going to be a surge in air travel to and from the region as major mining and energy projects ramp up in the coming years, and this funding will greatly assist in providing upgrades to meet that demand.”

Mr Coulton said the Regional Airport Program was an initiative of the former Coalition Government to ensure our regions are better and more safely connected.

“Our regional airports provide a critical link to major cities which is not only important for tourism but for the health, economic development and growth of our communities,” Mr Coulton said.

“I’m proud that the former Coalition Government recognised the importance of this and committed $100 million over four years from 2019–20 to 2022–23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver upgrades to improve air services.”

For more information about the Regional Airports Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/aviation/regional-remote-aviation/regional-airports-program