Airport upgrades on track

WORK to upgrade Latrobe Regional Airport is underway.

Crews are putting grant funding from the Federal Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund and the State Government’s Regional Airports fund to use.

More than four million dollars will go towards an upgrade to the radio navigation beacon, new runway lights and landing system, resurfacing of the runaway and an upgrade of the main apron area.

“These works will complement the works already carried out at Latrobe Regional Airport with the installation of a new multi-purpose helipad, upgraded taxiways and development of GippsAero,” Latrobe City mayor Sandy Kam said.

“These upgrades are all aimed at increasing our business and employment opportunities now and into the future.”

Cr Kam said the airport set the regional apart from other country areas, which stood it in “good stead” to attract “strong business relationships”.

“Our recent success at the Avalon air show proved that there is much interest in our facilities, so it is paramount to ensure that the airport is up to standard.”

“We’re certain that these upgrades will raise the standard of the Latrobe Regional Airport and position it well to pursue aviation-related business and employment well into the future.”