East Gippsland Shire Council has confirmed its support for the upgrade of Bairnsdale Airport.
Councillors voted last week to back the project that will boost emergency response and healthcare services for the whole region.
The runway will be extended from 1098 to 1600 metres and widened from 18 to 30 metres, addressing current limitations for aircraft operating on pavement concessions.
Bairnsdale Airport has the second-highest number of fixed-wing patient retrievals in regional Victoria, with Air Ambulance Victoria performing up to three flights daily.
During the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires, it became a vital hub with more than 100 aircraft movements a day.
Mayor Cr John White said the upgrade was essential.
“This is about saving lives. Every minute matters in a medical emergency, and our community deserves safe, reliable air ambulance operations,” Cr White said.
“The project is a high priority. The upgrade is essential to ensure the airport can continue to meet our region’s needs and safeguards the airport’s role in regional aviation.”
The upgrade as proposed would bring the Bairnsdale runway up to a similar standard to what is offered at West Sale, Latrobe, Mt Hotham, Warrnambool and Mildura.
The project has strong backing from health and emergency services.
Toll Aviation, which runs Air Ambulance Victoria flights, said dependable infrastructure was critical to patient care.
The works will require the removal of 11 hectares of native vegetation, including protected Gippsland Red Gum Grassy Woodland. An offset strategy is being drawn up which would see an area of threatened vegetation protected elsewhere.
The project is set to be supported by a $9.68 million grant, currently awaiting confirmation, and $5 million from council.
Together with the new patient transfer facility for Ambulance Victoria, the upgrade will strengthen emergency response, improve health outcomes and set up the airport for future opportunities.
