Narrabri among regional airports to receive boost

Narrabri Airport is among a list of facilities to receive funds from the federal government’s Regional Airports Program.

Narrabri Shire Council, which operates the airport, will receive $96,925 to install hinged poles and LED floodlights to the apron.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed last week’s announcement that Narrabri Shire Council, Broken Hill City Council and Dubbo Regional Council had each received a share of funding under round three of the program.

“This is fantastic news for each of these three councils,” Mr Coulton said.

“Narrabri Shire Council also benefitted from funding under the first two rounds of this program, so it’s great that a further $96,925 has been provided for additional safety improvements.”

Broken Hill was awarded almost $5 million to upgrade aircraft pavement movement areas, while Dubbo received $572,500 for the third stage of a general aviation drainage upgrade.

For Broken Hill, the funding is in addition to an investment from the NSW government and will enable a major transformation of the facility.

The works are part of a broader plan to enable Broken Hill to host larger planes such as the Boeing 737.

Mr Coulton said the Regional Airport Program was an initiative of the former Coalition government to ensure regions are better and more safely connected.

“Our regional airports provide a critical link to major cities, which is not only important for tourism but for the health, economic development and growth of our communities,” Mr Coulton said.

“I’m proud that the former Coalition government recognised the importance of this and committed $100 million over four years from 2019–20 to 2022–23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver upgrades to improve air services.”