Colac Aerodrome in Victoria's South-west will receive $160,000 under the Victorian Government's Regional Aviation Fund.
The grant money will be used to seal the Colac’s gravel runway and apron areas, and widen the aircraft turning zones to provide an all-weather surface.
Speaking at Colac Aero Club’s 50th anniversary open day on Saturday, Victoria’s Minister responsible for the Aviation Industry, Gordon Rich-Phillips, said the funding would provide better access for vital aeronautical services, benefitting local communities and business.
“The Coalition Government established the $20 million Regional Aviation Fund to cover the cost of infrastructure upgrades at public-access country airports that communities would otherwise not have been able to afford,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
The upgraded Colac airfield, one of the gateways to south-west Victoria’s parks and coastline touring regions, is expected to attract more recreational flying and joy flights to the area, providing a boost for Victoria’s regional tourism industry, especially the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors.
The Colac Aero club is working with the Colac Youth Council to encourage Victoria’s next generation of aviators.
Local Member for Polwarth and Minister for Transport Terry Mulder said the improvements to the aerodrome would have long-lasting community benefits.
“The Regional Aviation Fund is delivering material improvements right where they’re needed while generating valuable, added economic activity.
“The upgrade will not only benefit general aviation, but it will also enable sophisticated aircraft such as aero-medical, fire-fighting and fire-spotting aircraft to use the airstrip, which will benefit the whole community.
Under the current Victorian government, airports have secured more than $5 million in grants, with more than $12 million in grant applications presently under consideration. Airfields at Benalla, Latrobe Valley, Cohuna, Stawell, Edenhope and Warrnambool have alredy benefited from the scheme.