A new aerospace manufacturing facility was opened at Latrobe Regional Airport today, aimed at attracting new aviation businesses to boost the local economy.
The Growing Aerospace Manufacturing facility include a 5-hectare site opposite Mahindra Aerospace (GippsAero), a 33,350 square metre new surface for the main runway, improved drainage and additional water tanks, as well as improvements to taxiways and line markings.
New LED lighting and a Precision Approach Slope Indicator (PAPI) were also part of the $4.24 million project.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the project is a major boost for the region's economy.
“This project created 107 jobs during construction and up to 200 jobs have been created in the aerospace industry since the start of this project,” he said.
“The work has involved the construction of an additional aircraft development hangar and infrastructure upgrades to support manufacturing and emergency services at the airport. It has also seen improvements to navigation aids, runway lighting, taxiways and aprons.
“What this means is a much more effective airport capable of handling growth in air traffic, a particularly important outcome for regional towns impacted by the tyranny of distance.”
Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said the upgrades to the airport would benefit more than just local residents.
“The Victorian Government hosts a number of its aerial firefighting aircraft at the airport, a particularly important service we can draw on during a hot dry summer,” she said.
“I am delighted to see the upgrades complete and I am looking forward to continued investment by the Australian Government in the region. Supporting projects like these is the aim of our $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which will support major projects, create jobs and build stronger regional communities in the Latrobe Valley.”