AIRLINE passengers can expect to see more flights and bigger aircraft at their local airport, after the state government dished out millions of dollars in funding to three of the region’s airports.
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Tamworth, Armidale and Moree airports have received a combined $5 million in funding from the NSW government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
Tamworth Regional Airport will use its $2.1 million to strengthen and extend the airport’s main apron, which is where the aircraft park.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the apron hadn’t been upgraded since 1985, and the expansion would allow the airport to grow and attract competition.
“When you get competition, you get cheaper flights,” Mr Anderson said.
“We want to make sure we can cater for any sort of aircraft that needs to come to Tamworth.”
Tamworth mayor Col Murray said the funding could not have arrived at a better time.
“This is great news for Tamworth, as the apron works will give us the capacity for additional services, which means more flights and bigger passenger aircraft,” Cr Murray said.
“This in turn stimulates competitive airfares, increases the likelihood of new conferences and convention business and encourages travellers coming to Tamworth to bring partners or family members.”
Armidale and Moree each received $1.5 million to support vital infrastructure upgrades.
Moree Plains Shire Council is embarking on a $2.2 million upgrade to its airport’s main runway, which includes new lighting and resurfacing the entire runway strip.
Armidale airport is planning on an expansion of its three-bay apron to four bays.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the funding announcement was a much-needed investment in critical infrastructure in the Armidale and Moree communities that would create jobs and contribute to economic growth.
“Both upgrades will support the efforts of both councils to improve safety and attract new flight services to and from our region,” Mr Marshall said.
Tamworth and Armidale airports also have the potential for additional funding.
Armidale Dumaresq Council placed a bid for $6.3 million for a major terminal upgrade, doubling its size and building capacity for separate check-in facilities and a security screening area for passengers and baggage in the future.
Tamworth Regional Council is seeking another $4 million for a terminal extension and fitout.
A decision on these bids won’t be made until the new year.
