The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to increase the resilience of regional communities with $15 million to upgrade three key airstrips across regional New South Wales.
$15 million from the NSW Government's $400 million Regional Development Trust will be invested to upgrade airstrips in White Cliffs, Bourke and Deniliquin, increasing economic development opportunities and ensuring healthcare and emergency services are able to reach these communities into the future.
Upgrades will include increasing runways, lengths, widths and weight limits, meaning larger planes with bigger loads can be accommodated. Taxiway, lighting and line markings will also be improved to increase visibility and safety for pilots.
It is forecast that new, heavier aircrafts will increasingly be used for health and other emergency services to accommodate more patients, passengers and supplies. These upgrades will ensure that these communities can safely accommodate these services.
Further, the increased capacity of these airstrips will boost economic opportunities for the community as larger business services may be welcomed.
The selection of these locations follows a statewide audit of regional airstrips, which included consultation with local government, the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Flying Doctor Service, NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Ambulance and Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
A scope of work for each of the three airstrips has been developed with works on the projects expected to commence by mid-2025.
For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust
Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"Investing in our regional airstrips and aerodromes will help ensure rural and remote communities can continue to access the services they need, whether it's health, emergency or business services, and especially in times of a critical incident when they are needed most.
"These upgrades are about making sure we are boosting service delivery to regional NSW and that we are building strong and resilient regional communities now and into the future."
State member for Murray Helen Dalton said:
"Right now, many air ambulances can't use Deniliquin Airport because the runway is too short and not stable enough. This upgrade will change that.
"I had been lobbying the precious NSW government about the dangerous situation in Deniliquin for a long time and I so commend the Minns Government for taking the communities fears seriously."
"Deniliquin needs this runway year-round and especially during peaks times such as summer and during the Deni Ute Muster.
"People in rural NSW, and people visiting rural NSW, should be able to access the health care they need, when they need it."
State Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:
"Air travel in regional NSW is vital for accessing specialised health services and increases economic opportunities in these communities.
"It also allows critical access to transport options when roads are closed from flooding in the Far West.
'I welcome this announcement and any infrastructure investment in regional NSW."
Bourke Shire Mayor, Cr Lachlan Ford said:
"The chance to upgrade the local runway to accommodate heavier planes would support health services and local businesses.
"Business is booming in Bourke, the opportunity to upgrade the Bourke airstrip will allow for larger aircraft to land to service the health and local business sectors, supporting the local economy, and local jobs."
General Manager of Central Darling Shire Council Greg Hill said:
Upgrading the local airstrip would significantly improve access to health services for White Cliffs residents.
"Our community relies heavily on aerial medical services due to our location.
"The opportunity to work with the NSW Government to upgrade the White Cliffs airstrip to accommodate larger and heavier aircraft used by emergency services will significantly improve capacity to deliver life-saving care in our community.
