Moree Regional Airport will be upgraded following the announcement of a $1.5 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund grant from the New South Wales (NSW) Government. The Federal Government’ s National Stronger Regions Fund has granted $500,000 to the project. Together with a $500,000 contribution from Moree Plains Shire Council the cost will total $2.5 million.
Moree Plains Shire Mayor, Councillor Katrina Humphries said she was “absolutely delighted” with the State and Federal Government’s decision to award the grants.
“This is brilliant news for our Shire. The local tourism industry makes a significant contribution to the economy and it’s great to see this being acknowledged by other levels of Government through the success of these grant fund applications.
“This funding will help us upgrade Moree Regional Airport and supports our vision for the Shire … as a regional transport centre.”
The funding will be used to install new runway and apron lighting and a precision approach tool to improve safety and decrease flight turn backs in poor weather. A significant upgrade to the primary runway and drainage at the airport will also be included. Works are expected to commence in 2016.
Moree Plains Shire Council’s General Manager, Mr Lester Rodgers thanked Member for Northern Tablelands, Mr Adam Marshall MP for his ongoing support for Council’s funding proposal, as well as staff involved in putting together Council’s funding proposals.
“In our Community Strategic Plan, the community rightly places a great deal of importance on our Shire having the infrastructure needed to support our economy and provide access to essential services.
“These upgrades will make Moree Regional Airport more reliable and enhance the gateway this facility provides to the North West of NSW.
He applauded Council’s commitment to securing funding from other tiers of Government. “We know there are pots of money available for the right project and our staff are diligently seeking out these opportunities and submitting quality applications.
“This grant funding success, with our recent $4.5 million water security grant, shows we are on the right track.”
