As part of its ongoing support of remote and regional airports across the state, the Victorian government has provided $340,000 to upgrade Orbost Aerodrome. The funding will be used to facilitate 24-hour emergency services and support local economic activity.
The funding, drawn from the Regional Aviation Fund, represents around 40 per cent of the estimated $850,000 project cost that will see the 1,140m gravel runway sealed and re-aligned, improved drainage and a new runway lighting system.
It is hoped the new facilities will attract more commercial and tourism operators to the airport as well as improve access for emergency services such as the Air Ambulance. It will also significantly reduce routine maintenance costs.
Orbost joins Cobden, Lethbridge, Latrobe, Warrnambool, Edenhope, Cohuna, Stawell and Benalla, which have already benefitted from the state’s Regional Aviation Fund.