The Federal Government has announced it will support the Victorian Government’s attempt to position Avalon airport as the state’s second international airport.

 

Premier Ted Baillieu said the announcement by the Federal Government that it will amend the Avalon Airport’s lease to allow it to build a new international terminal would give certainty to major airlines looking to operate out of Avalon.

 

Aviation Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said Avalon had been at a major competitive disadvantage to Melbourne Airport because it lacked the Commonwealth support required to enable it to attract international airlines.

 

“It has been a lengthy process to get the Commonwealth to agree to this amendment. The Victorian Government has been working closely with Avalon Airport to get the Commonwealth over the line,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

 

“The development of Avalon Airport is a priority project for the Coalition Government because we see it as a a major regional economic development initiative for Wyndham, Greater Geelong and western Victoria.

 

“It’s also a great economic advantage for Victoria, because its means we will have two major international, curfew-free airports in the state paving the way for more competition in the state’s aviation industry and boosting tourism access to western Victoria.”