A $1 million commitment by the NSW State Government will ensure the next stage of the Parkes Regional Airport upgrades will take off. NSW Minister for Regional Development, John Barilaro, was in Orange this week to pledge support to Parkes Shire Council over the pending application. Parkes Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said: “The Parkes Regional Airport plays an imperative role in our region’s economy, including the business, tourism and investment sectors, and this significant contribution by the State Government will ensure this important piece of infrastructure continues to deliver economic and social benefits to the entire region.”
The Mayor said the next stage would encourage economic development, stimulate regional industry, enable businesses and industries to operate more efficiently and sustainably, and provide greater prosperity and opportunities for the region. The State Government’s commitment will be in addition to a $1.56 million investment by the Federal Government announced in October.
“Recent floods in the region mean the Parkes Regional Airport requires repairs and upgrades, not only to continue the current standard of service, but to meet future demand as the local regional economy continues to grow,” said John. Parkes Shire Council’s application for upgrades funding includes repairs and the refurbishment of the taxi way and the main apron to ensure more, and larger aircraft, can be accommodated in the future. “The Parkes Airport application requires additional information to be provided by proponents prior to confirming funding, including the Parkes Regional Airport submission,” the Minister said.
“By funding regional airport infrastructure we’re making a long-term investment to improve services for residents and to support airports with the greatest capacity to increase visitor numbers to regional NSW.” “The NSW Government is committed to providing investment and support to communities which need it the most.”