Bendigo Airport runway construction

 

The proposed 2015/2016 Budget includes $6.8M to build a new 1600m long runway at the Bendigo Airport.

Of this funding, Council has allocated $2.8M and the remaining $4M is committed from the State Government to help build the $15M redevelopment. Council is awaiting a $5M commitment from the Federal Government to realise the wider project, which is a major initiative of the City of Greater Bendigo Economic Development Strategy 2014-2020.  

The $6.8M will allow for the new runway, a runway edge lighting system, guidance signs, illuminated wind direction indicators, airport lighting electrical control cubicle and shelter, and line marking.

An upgraded runway will allow for the airport to receive aircraft weighing up to 25,000kg, meaning aircraft carrying 75 people, small personal jets, single or twin prop passenger aircraft, and some freight aircraft will be able to land at the airport. The works also ensure emergency services can remain at the airport and continue to care for people across Victoria. 

Mayor Cr Peter Cox said local industry leaders were keenly awaiting the completion of the redevelopment. 

“This is an opportunity to further grow Greater Bendigo’s economic base by providing better and faster access to the rest of Victoria and the nation. It also translates to more jobs for the region as business owners realise the potential a new runway provides for expansion,” Cr Cox said.

“The new runway and associated state-of-the-art lighting will complete Stage 2 of the redevelopment. A facility of this size and capability will mean that Bendigo will be more attractive to the business sector and emergency service providers. 

“Already much has been achieved including 25 new hangar sites, three new taxiways, and improved road access and drainage infrastructure. The new runway measuring 1600m long by 30m wide is imperative to a growing region like ours and will allow the airport to continue to service an estimated population catchment of more than 200,000 people now and into the future.”

The proposed budget also includes $274,000 to complete construction of a 25,000kL water storage, floating wetland, mechanical water treatment plant and an irrigation system at the airport. This is an example of best-practice water use that will also lessen flooding issues at the airport.

The cost to council is $27,000 and the remaining funding comes from the State Government.

For more information visit City of Greater Bendigo