ARMIDALE and Moree airports have been shortlisted for consideration for a share of up to $95 million of State Government funding for infrastructure upgrades to help boost the local economy, increase tourism and create local jobs, Member for Northern Tablelands announced today.
Mr Marshall said Armidale Dumaresq and Moree Plains Shire Councils’ applications for Restart NSW funding would now move to the next stage of detailed application as two of 24 shortlisted projects under the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) Regional Airports program.
“This is brilliant news for our region,” Mr Marshall said. “To have two airport projects in the running for millions of dollars in funding is very exciting. Both councils will now be invited to make a detailed application for funding.
“The local tourism industry makes a significant contribution to the economy and the Government is keen to support that contribution by investing in regional infrastructure to help boost visitor numbers and create jobs.
“This funding aims to help strengthen and diversify regional economies with support for tourism infrastructure projects including the expansion of regional airports that service popular regional tourism destinations.
“I congratulate both Armidale and Moree councils on making it to the shortlist and wish them the very best in the final round of application for RTIF funds.”
Mr Marshall said both the Armidale and Moree funding proposals were impressive and had his full support. He’s also taken the opportunity to brief the Regional Development Minister John Barilaro on the councils’ plans.
“These are very impressive multi-million dollar projects that will greatly enhance existing infrastructure at both airports, which act as gateways to the eastern and western regions of the electorate,” Mr Marshall said.
“Armidale is proposing an airside aircraft parking apron extension and to upgrade the airport terminal to offer more meeting spaces, lounge and security screening options.
“Moree is planning to rehabilitate the primary runway and install new runway lighting at the airport, which will increase safety.
“By investing in our local airport infrastructure we have the potential to significantly increase visitor numbers to our region and to support the local economy.”
Mr Marshall said 33 regional airports had submitted requests for Restart NSW funding, which has been shortlisted to 24 projects.