REPRESENTATIVES from The Nationals travelled to Broken Hill this week, holding a press conference on Tuesday, April 8, to announce that, if elected, the Coalition Government will commit $10 million to the Broken Hill Airport.
Leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud, was joined by Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie, and candidate for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, to announce the Broken Hill Airport upgrade funding.
Announced at the airport, Mr Chaffey said funding will go through the Broken Hill City Council for the project.
“This project itself has been developed by the Broken Hill council, it’s been supported by the whole community,” Mr Chaffey said.
“It is the number one project that will make the biggest difference for this community.
“I know through talking with the mayor and the council, they’ve applied several times for Labor funding without any success.
“So today, it is absolutely fantastic that the Nationals, the only political party that truly understands regional Australia, a Coalition Government, are offering this enormous amount.”
Ms McKenzie said that communities like Broken Hill need to remain connected.
“We know you have services to Sydney and to Adelaide, and we want to see that expand,” she said.
“We want to see tourism offerings increase, and want to ensure the flights that do arrive can take larger planes and make sure the capacity that’s existing here and elsewhere to come to Broken Hill can be realigned.
“It’s not just about the tourism, the mining and the agricultural service industries; Broken Hill Airport is a healthcare hub.
“We know the RFDS services over 640,000km around Broken Hill out of this airport and this upgrade will actually assist that.”
Mr Littleproud said regional airports provide a critical link to major cities which is not only important for tourism but community growth.
“The Broken Hill Airport upgrade project is vital to ensuring the airport can efficiently and safely handle the projected growth, and support the economic development of the beautiful Silver City,” he said.
Mr Chaffey also said the commitment aims to enable Broken Hill to be “one step closer” to hosting larger planes like 737s.
“This project is important for Broken Hill’s future. The council believes in this project and The National Party believes in this project and we all want to see investment continue in Broken Hill,” he said.
“This is our commitment to Broken Hill – we believe in regional communities and want to support projects that will make Broken Hill an even better place to live.”
Broken Hill Mayor Cr Tom Kennedy was also in attendance and said it’s important the airport is supported to expand.
“It’s great to see The Nationals recognise what a crucial gateway to the Far West this facility is,” he said.
“An upgraded runway will greatly boost local industry and tourism, support vital Royal Flying Doctor Service operations and vastly improve disaster relief capabilities for the region.”
