The federal government will provide up to $19 million for various new and upgraded infrastructure and facilities at Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Taree airports, as announced in last week’s budget.
“We are absolutely committed to working with local and regional communities to identify and deliver local economic priorities, like the Mid North Coast regional aviation plan,” Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean said.
“The plan will support hundreds of jobs during construction, provide training opportunities and support jobs and businesses over the longer term in the region.”
Forming part of the government’s Mid-North Coast regional aviation plan, various runway upgrades and/or construction of general aviation facilities at all three airports are planned, with local Member for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott supportive of the plan’s economic benefits. “The key drivers for economic prosperity in our region are the broadening of our economic base, lifting education and workforce participation rates and providing the environment for existing businesses to expand,” he said.
“It is a major economic boost for the Mid North Coast we now push to see this work underway as soon as possible.”
More specifically, the plan will include:
- Upgrades, extensions and strengthening work to the main runway at Port Macquarie to cater for up to 737-800 and A320 series aircraft
- Funding for the first stage of construction of new general aviation business precincts, including taxiways, aprons, hangar sites and access roads at Kempsey and Taree
- Resurfacing to the existing runway at Kempsey; and
- Upgrades the passenger terminal building and car parking at Port Macquarie.
