Upgrades to critical western NSW airstrips

Communities in western NSW are set to benefit from a $15m upgrade to three rural airstrips.

Runway upgrades and safety improvements at Bourke Airport, White Cliffs airstrip and Deniliquin airstrip will give emergency services better access and provide a greater range of operations.

“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,” Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said.

Bourke Airport.

“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.”

Funding:

• $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

White Cliffs 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.

Work on the upgrades is expected to commence later this year.