$21.5 million boost for regional aviation and manufacturing
Tue 3 May 2011
The Victorian Government committed to revitalising Victoria’s regional aviation sector and securing manufacturing jobs in the Geelong region through an investment of $21.5 million in the 2011-12 Victorian Budget.
The Minister responsible for the Aviation Industry Gordon Rich-Phillips said the Government will provide $20 million over four years to expand the Regional Aviation Fund.
“This major investment will support the enhancement and upgrading of infrastructure at public-use airports across regional Victoria, which includes $5 million towards the redevelopment of Bendigo Airport,” Mr Rich Phillips said.
The Government has allocated an additional $150 000 for a feasibility study to identify possible sites for a new Geelong Regional Airport to replace the current Grovedale facility, which is set to be redeveloped into housing.
The Government will build on Geelong’s position as a centre for international aviation events by providing initial funding of $500 000 to undertake a detailed feasibility study and analysis of securing the rights to host the Red Bull Air Race in Geelong.
“Avalon Airport is already renowned as the home of the Australian International Airshow and hosting the Red Bull Air Race would cement Geelong’s position as Australia’s premier centre for aviation-related major events,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva said the Coalition Government was committed to supporting the development of Geelong as an international aerospace, defence and aviation hub, while also strengthening the region’s established manufacturing base.
The Government is supporting local aerospace companies such as Marand and Chemring to establish world-class facilities in the Geelong Region, and is also backing Avalon Airport as Victoria’s second international airport.
The Budget also included funding to enable the Geelong Manufacturing Council to develop a new industry program in partnership with Deakin University to boost manufacturing jobs in the Geelong region.
“We will be investing $800 000 over four years to expand the Geelong Manufacturing Council’s partnership with Deakin to support local firms to innovate, promote skills development and engage tertiary students in the manufacturing sector,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.
