Work has started on a $14.7 million project to upgrade Bendigo Airport's runway to take air transport services.
The new runway will be 1600 m long and 30 m wide, designed to enable use by aircraft carrying up to 70 passengers.
Funding for the projects has come from both the Federal Goverment and the Victorian Government.
"The Australian Government's $5 million contribution to the project demonstrates its commitment to regional Victoria," said Senator Fiona Nash, Minister for Regional Development.
“This is just one of over 160 priority infrastructure projects in regional and rural communities around Australia funded under the $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund.”
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the airport serves a population catchment of over 200,000 people, along with vital regional emergency services such as firefighting and medical aircraft.
“The Victorian Government has contributed $4.7 million to this upgrade, which will help tackle capacity restrictions and other issues, bringing Bendigo into line with other major regional centres,” Allan said.
“Bendigo is growing and so are the demands on our airport. That's why the Andrews Labor Government is partnering with the Federal Government and local council to build the new runway and boost its capacity."
The runway project is Phase Two of a complete redevelopment of Bendigo Airport. Phase One included 25 new hangars, three new taxiways and better road access.
The runway is expected to be finished in mid-2017.