Extensions to Parkes Regional Airport and the Forbes saleyards are among vital projects across the Riverina and Central West to share in more than $3 million in federal funding.
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Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and Regional Development Minister and Deputy Nationals’ Leader Senator Fiona Nash were in Parkes on Wednesday to unveil that more than $1.5 million each is headed Parkes’ and Forbes’ way.
Almost $1.56 million from the Coalition’s National Stronger Regions Fund has been allocated to extend the Parkes Regional Airport.
The funding will go towards stage two of construction, which consists of an extension to the airport apron and taxiway, developing a new hangar precinct and planning infrastructure for a helipad complex.
Mr McCormack also announced a $1.51 million injection into the Central West Livestock Exchange at Forbes, bringing a vital economic boost for the whole region.
He said it will encourage further local business expansion, increase opportunities for local producers to buy and sell locally, and generate more activity for small businesses.
“The Riverina and Central West is the nation’s vital food bowl and freight hub, which Australia relies upon for agricultural product, skills and infrastructure to keep fresh food on our tables and product moving from the paddock or pallet to our ports,” Mr McCormack said.
“As Australia’s Small Business Minister, I know the investment into Parkes and Forbes is critical in giving the region’s small businesses – a third of which are farmers – the infrastructure and services they need to continue to grow into the future.
“Our more than $1.5 million investment to extend the Parkes Regional Airport builds upon capacity at the critical freight hub of Parkes, which will be the intersection of the Melbourne to Brisbane and Sydney to Perth rail lines.”
Ms Nash said the projects would bring new jobs and business investment to the region.
“I aim to help build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and quality regional airports are a big part of that,” she said.
Mr McCormack added that the Parkes Airport project would improve access to health and emergency services, and leisure travel.
“Parkes Airport is already established as a base for firefighting efforts around the region for helicopter and fixed wing aircraft,” he said.
“This project will include a new helipad and fuelling/maintenance facility to support future disaster response operations, including for medical emergencies.”
Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith said this significant contribution by the Federal Government will ensure this important piece of infrastructure continues to deliver economic and social benefits to the entire region.
“The Parkes Regional Airport plays an imperative role in our region's economy, including the business, tourism and investment sectors,” he said.
“This next stage of the redevelopment project will encourage economic development, stimulate regional industry, enable businesses and industries to operate more efficiently and sustainably, and provide greater prosperity and opportunities for the region.”
Chairman of the Parkes Airport Committee Cr Alan Ward said that council's Airport Masterplan recognised the necessity for these infrastructural improvements to expand the airport's operations and provide greater job creation.
"Construction activities associated with the next phase of redevelopment is expected to generate 42 full time jobs and inject $5.3 million into the region's catchment," he said.
Parkes Shire and Forbes Shire councils will both match the $1.5 million funding to deliver the $3 million projects.