Griffith Regional Airport will benefit from almost $500,000 in federal funding to resurface and renew the line marking on the runway in what is set to revitalise the air transport hub and solidify the airport as a gateway to the Riverina.
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The grant money stems from a successful application made by Griffith City Council under Round 2 of the Australian Government's Regional Airport Program, which totals 30 million dollars, and is expected to improve the safety of the airport as well as potentially attracting more airline carriers to the region.
Currently, only EastWest Airlines in conjunction with Sharp Airlines, Regional Express Airlines and QantasLink operate regular flights to and from the airport.
Griffith City Council Deputy Mayor, Councillor Simon Croce welcomed the announcement, calling the investment 'essential'.
"I am pleased to see Griffith Regional Airport recognised amongst the 89 projects funded by the Australian Government," Councillor Croce said.
Peter Little, President of the Griffith Aero Club congratulated council on obtaining the funding after they committed to repairing the runway and renewing the linemarking during the 2020/21 financial year.
"The centerline marking was getting very dull and needed doing" Mr Little said.
"This is especially important for night time landings as pilots need to be able to clearly see the centerline for a safe and comfortable landing.
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Regional airline operators will also now be more attracted to Griffith as these funds will help to upgrade the airport facilities to the standard that they should be."
In 2018, passenger numbers through Griffith Regional Airport had increased by 8.4 percent with an estimated 80,000 flyers transiting through, a number that is only expected to continuing climbing as city goers transition to country living amidst a 'regional boom'.
Councillor Croce said that the funding would 'go a long way' to continuing the delivery of this essential service to community members and visitors to the region.
"It is pleasing to see the $498,850 funded especially given the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on passenger services, any funding is welcomed and will go a long way to allow Council to continue to deliver this essential service for our residents and visitors" Cnr Croce said.
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