Dubbo and Western NSW economy benefiting from Dubbo City Regional Airport capital upgrades

Last updated: 27 Jun 2019

Multiple capital upgrades to the Dubbo City Regional Airport proudly funded through the Australian, and NSW Governments, and contributions from Dubbo Regional Council are continuing with construction now underway on the upgrade of the general aviation and aeromedical facilities.
The $17.5 million upgrade of Dubbo City Regional Airport addresses a critical need to provide for increased capacity and services which support increase tourism, health care provision, economic growth and business development.
“Dubbo City Regional Airport is one of the most significant regional airports in NSW and a key economic gateway to both the Central and Far West,” Mayor of the Dubbo Region Councillor Ben Shields said.
“The combined upgrade project with majority of funding from the NSW and Australian Government is building a leading regional airport which will facilitate continued economic growth for the region,” Councillor Shields said.
The Australia Government has contributed $6.685M through the National Stronger Regions Fund to the overall project to upgrade the General Aviation and Aeromedical Facilities. This includes construction of 11 new hangars to be utilised by private and business customers, taxiways, roads, drainage, stormwater, power water and sewer.
In addition a new Aeromedical Patient Transfer Building located within the Royal Flying Doctor Precinct includes construction of four new Patient Transfer Buildings improving patient welfare as transfers currently occur in the open air.
Member for Parkes the Hon Mark Coulton MP said this upgrade provides enormous potential for business growth and complementary development that will further stimulate regional economic activity for Dubbo and Western NSW.
“The Australian Government is continuing to invest in infrastructure projects which deliver economic benefit to regional Australia,” Mr Coulton said. “Investment in infrastructure such as the Dubbo City Regional Airport stimulates productivity and generates lasting economic and social benefits that the Dubbo and Orana Region will prosper from,” Mr Coulton said.
Funding from the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Regional Tourism Infrastructure program has been a critical part of the overall airport upgrade with $7.46M contributed to the Runway Strengthening and Lighting upgrade
Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant said the recently completed Runway Strengthening and Lighting project is an example of the NSW Government investing in critical infrastructure projects attracting more visitors to regional NSW.
“The NSW Government is committed to building infrastructure that boosts regional tourism which is a key driver in economic activity,” he said.
“Dubbo City Regional Airport is a vital piece of infrastructure for NSW providing connectivity not only with Sydney but also with Australia’s other cities Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and Newcastle,” Mr Grant said.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region Councillor Ben Shields thanked the Australian and NSW Governments for the valued contributions to a key piece of the region’s infrastructure.
“The total upgrade project is an excellent example of Government working in partnership to deliver major infrastructure projects that will have long-term benefits for regional communities,” he said.
“Upgrades to significant, regional infrastructure requires the support of Local, State and Federal Governments.  I thank the NSW Government and the Australian Government for their investment and on-going commitment to the airport upgrades and significant regional infrastructure,” Councillor Shields said.