Families and business in Geraldton and the Mid-West will benefit from a multi-million dollar upgrade to the Geraldton Regional Airport if The Nationals WA are returned to Government in 2017.
Leader of The Nationals WA Brendon Grylls MLA joined local Nationals WA Member of Parliament and Candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP in Geraldton today to announce the $6.5 million election commitment, which will be funded through Royalties for Regions.
Candidate for Geraldton Paul Brown MP said the funding would enable the City of Greater Geraldton to complete essential upgrades to the Geraldton Regional Airport.
‘This will include a new asphalt overlay to the main runway, along with an extension of its current length from 1,970 metres to 2,400 metres,” Mr Brown said.
“This will enable A330 aircraft and other larger aircraft to operate from the airport. An expansion of the taxiways and aprons will also allow large aircraft to be parked more conveniently and safely.”
The Nationals WA Leader Brendon Grylls MLA said the current airstrip had reached the end of its current life and an urgent upgrade was needed.
“This $6.5 million funding commitment from The Nationals WA and Royalties for Regions will allow the airport to maintain its ability to host jet aircraft, and will ensure Geraldton and the Mid West can continue to grow,” Mr Grylls said.
“An upgraded and expanded airstrip will allow greater tourism opportunities as visitors head to this picturesque region of Australia to access destinations like the Kalbarri National Park and the Abrolhos Islands.
“This funding commitment will also allow the City of Greater Geraldton to seek leveraged funding from the Federal Government through the Building Better Regions Fund.”
Mr Brown said the upgrade would give Geraldton Regional Airport scope to provide direct connection to other regional airports for tourism and freight purposes.
“Geraldton and the Mid West region is an important supplier of high quality horticultural and aquaculture products, grown locally and freighted by air around the world,” Mr Brown said.
“This upgrade will ensure that export market remains viable and can grow into the future.
“There is great potential for direct flights to our great city from other regional airports and from the east-coast of Australia as well.”
Mr Grylls commended Mr Brown for his tireless efforts to deliver projects of benefit to the Geraldton community.
“Paul has been working closely with the City of Greater Geraldton for many months to ensure the funding for this project is made available,” Mr Grylls said. “He has also been successful in securing a $115 million funding pledge to enhance the Geraldton Regional Hospital.
“Families and businesses in Geraldton and the Mid West are in good hands with Paul Brown as their local Nationals WA candidate.”
Since 2008 The Nationals WA have delivered nearly $7 billion in investment through Royalties for Regions to support over 3,400 projects.
“Royalties for Regions is diversifying the economy in regional WA and creating sustainable and thriving regional communities,” Mr Grylls said.
