ALBURY Council will this week start preparing its pitch for more funding for infrastructure project at Albury Airport.
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The city’s airport is one of 30 regional NSW airports eligible for a share of $50 million in funding announced by the NSW government last week.
It’s been welcomed by both Albury Council and the Murray-Riverina Business Chamber, which sees it as a potential chance to boost tourism and business in the region.
“Ultimately regional airports are a gateway for regional tourism,” regional manager of the business chamber, Ben Foley, said.
“At the moment over half of international tourists land in Sydney, but only 20 per cent are going on to destinations in regional NSW.
“If we can enhance that gateway and make it easier to access, it can have a flow-on effect to the rest of the area.
“Whether it is improving terminal amenities, upgrading runways or increasing aircraft parking, this funding for regional airport infrastructure is an important first step in lifting tourism spending in the region.”
The exact nature of what works Albury Council may apply for under the funding remains to be seen.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack said Albury was in “the top echelon” of regional airports and was in good stead to apply for funding.
“A requirement is that it has to benefit tourism so we’ll be looking at ways to leverage on that,” he said.
The airport last year underwent a runway re-seal, but Cr Mack said other aspects still needed upgrading, such as the toilets.
The council’s director of economic development and tourism Tracey Squire said council officers would start preparing their application this week.
Albury MP Greg Aplin said while Albury Airport had undergone redevelopments in recent years to meet customer demand, this was another opportunity to obtain additional improvements.
“Regional airports play a critical role in local communities around the state, providing vital jobs and creating opportunities for regional tourism growth,” he said.
Councils are invited to submit expressions of interest; projects will then be decided upon by Infrastructure NSW following a review by a regional independent assessment panel.
