Portland Airport will be modernised and upgraded for expansion with the help of a $1.35 million Brumby Government grant announced today by Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney.
She said the modernisation works would prepare the airport for new services, more passengers and increased maintenance contract works by expanding the maintenance hangar and providing new terminal amenities and facilities.
Ms Tierney said a $2.1 million works program by Glenelg Shire Council would position the airport as a modern transport asset for the western region of provincial Victoria.
She said increased business and tourist services between Portland and Melbourne were part of several exciting developments.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to help develop Portland Airport into an air transport hub that can serve the growing Portland region,” Ms Tierney said.
“This investment will help build infrastructure to position the airport for expanding passenger and maintenance services.
”With passenger numbers rising and additional maintenance and engineering contracts being serviced, Portland Airport is set for an exciting future.”
Ms Tierney said Portland was one of three regional airports in Victoria with a regular public transit service and serviced 130 aircraft movements a week.
She said the works would include:
• extending the apron to accommodate larger aircraft and improving aircraft parking and taxiing;
• doubling the size and capacity of the main hangar;
• building an administration/office in the main hangar;
• building a conference/meeting room extension to the terminal;
• building an administration and crew area office extension; and
• constructing extra taxiways, aircraft parking and hangar facilities.
Ms Tierney said Glenelg Shire’s master plan for the airport identified several growth opportunities, such as eco-tourism and flight training.
She said the Victorian Government funding would be provided to Glenelg Shire Council from Regional Development Victoria’s Regional Aviation Fund.
“The Regional Aviation Fund is part of the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund, which has invested more than $471 million in regional Victoria and directly helped start 256 projects worth more than $1.34 billion,” Ms Tierney said.
