NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announced that Armidale Dumaresq and Moree Plains Shire Councils will be able to apply for up to $50 million in NSW Government funding to support airport infrastructure projects to help boost local tourism in the region.
Mr Marshall said the Expressions of Interest (EOI) process would be open for thirty for Armidale, Moree and 28 other regional airports with current regular passenger services.
“Projects will be recommended to the NSW Government by Infrastructure NSW following review by a Regional Independent Assessment Panel,” Mr Marshall said.
“The competitive EOI process forms a key part of the Government’s $110 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF).
“The RTIF is part of the Government’s 2014-15 Budget allocation of $1 billion, enabling regional centres and tourist destinations to develop their full potential by investing in critical infrastructure.”
Yesterday Mr Marshall and Regional Tourism Minister John Barilaro discussed the potential future expansion of the Armidale Regional Airport with Mayor Laurie Bishop and General Manager Glenn Wilcox, during the Minister’s visit to the region.
“Likewise, there is huge potential around Moree’s airport and I know that Mayor katrina Humphries and the council have some exciting plans too,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’ll be working with both councils to ensure competitive EOIs are lodged and we can secure our share of this funding.”
Mr Marshall said regional airports played a critical role in local communities across the Northern Tablelands, providing vital jobs and creating opportunities that facilitate regional tourism growth.
“The funding will help strengthen and diversify regional economies with support for tourism infrastructure projects including the expansion of regional airports that service popular regional tourism destinations,” he said.
More information is available here: www.trade.nsw.gov.au/rtif