Funding for airport business case

Published on 17 February 2023

* Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders was joined by Nationals Candidate for Barwon Annette Turner and Councillor Michael Boland for the announcement.

Broken Hill is aiming to be more connected than ever before with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government providing funding to investigate expanding the city’s airport. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $112,766 grant will support Broken Hill City Council to deliver a plan and business case, addressing the expected increase in traffic from the region’s expanding mining industry. 

“Broken Hill is becoming a critical hub for growth across Western NSW, and the airport needs to cater for the increasing demands of passengers and freight,” Mr Toole said. 

“This grant will support the council to establish an in-depth assessment and strong business case for the much needed growth of the airport capabilities.”

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders visited the Silver City to make the announcement today. 

“The bush is bursting with people full of ideas with the potential to create jobs, boost economies, and attract investment,” Mr Saunders said.

“Any successful project starts with evidence-based planning and this program helps take great concepts a step closer to reality.

“It’s not unusual to see a strain on transport networks in a growth area like Broken Hill and this funding will help find solutions to support the region to continue to thrive.”

Broken Hill City Council Mayor Tom Kennedy welcomed the funding, saying the initiative is vital for the future of the far west.

“This business case will allow us to take a strategic approach to the airport, transforming the precinct into a hub for industrial and commercial enterprise, along with delivering upgrades needed to meet Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) standards,” Mr Kennedy said. 

“I wish to thank Deputy Premier Toole, Minister Saunders and the NSW Government for their ongoing support of the city at this critical time.”

The grant was funded by the NSW Government’s Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund.