The Minns Labor Government is boosting connectivity and resilience in Western NSW with up to $15 million funding for runway upgrades and safety improvements to accommodate larger planes.

The Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, was in Bourke today to announce that the Government is working closely with the Bourke Shire Council, Central Darling Shire Council and Edward River Council to future proof access at three priority airstrips.

The funding and work will enable better essential and emergency services access and allow for a greater range of operations at the airstrips. The funding is being made available as follows:

    $4.66 million available to strengthen the runway at Bourke Airport
    $5.76 million earmarked for improving White Cliffs airstrip
    $4.57 million set aside for enhancing Deniliquin Airport airstrip.

The funding is being made available as part of the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund set up to focus on community connection and capacity building, plus improving regional service delivery.

The Airstrip Improvements in Rural and Remote NSW Program aims to improve access to vital health and emergency services, specialist trades and general supplies in regional NSW, including in times of natural disasters.

Th program will support the three councils to deliver various improvements including increasing runway lengths, plus strengthening and widening to allow larger planes to take off and land safely. The work will also look at potential upgrades to lighting and line markings.

The ability to support larger aircraft will benefit health, community and emergency services, tourism operators, education and training providers and the business sector.

Improved air connectivity will also increase linkages between rural and remote towns, resulting in stronger, vibrant regional communities.

The projects have been informed by a NSW Government initiated statewide audit of rural and remote airstrips, which included consultation with asset owners and aeromedical service providers, to ascertain the priorities for undertaking improvements.

Work on the upgrades is expected to commence during 2025.

Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Our rural and remote airstrips are a lifeline for regional NSW communities and provide vital access points for health and emergency services, specialist trades and general supplies, including in times of natural disasters.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to making access for regional communities better and this investment from our Regional Development Trust Fund is delivering infrastructure to where it is needed and will make real improvements.

“These upgrades at the Bourke, Deniliquin and White Cliffs airstrips will ensure these important assets are well prepared for the future with the ability to accommodate larger planes as fleets change in size and grow to bring more people, goods and trade to regional NSW.

“The Bourke Airport is a critical hub in Western NSW that supports health professionals, emergency services and trades whilst also providing the community with access to commercial flights to Dubbo and beyond.”