DUBBO REGIONAL AIRPORT TO UPGRADE RUNWAY FOR LARGE AIRTANKERS
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) has received $14,614,867.50 in funding from the Australian Government Growing Regions Program – Round 2 for the upgrade of the Dubbo Regional Airport runway.
This project will upgrade and strengthen the main runway, associated taxiways, and aprons to support the operation of large air tankers and emergency services.
Australian Government Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill said, “Investment in infrastructure such as the Dubbo Regional Airport runway is critical to making sure we continue to connect and protect regional communities without the financial burden being placed on local councils and ratepayers.”
“These upgrades will build resilience and will mean that the airport here in Dubbo can be part of a rapid response in the event of natural disasters such as bushfires in eastern Australia. The upgrade will allow larger air tankers owned by the Rural Fire Service to utilise the airport, which is currently not possible,” Senator O’Neill said.
The total project will cost $30 Million with the funding received to be matched by DRC to guarantee the future of this critical infrastructure for the next 20 years. The Dubbo Regional Airport services not just the Dubbo Region but the wider western region of the state.
“This funding announcement is the largest grant DRC has received from the Australian Government and will see the realisation of the Council’s long-term plan for an emergency services hub at Dubbo Regional Airport,” DRC Mayor, Josh Black said.
“Dubbo is centrally located in New South Wales and will now be able to play a greater role in supporting the operation of large air tankers and the emergency services response in the event of bushfires.”
The main runway will receive significant structural upgrades to strengthen the surface, including a re-sheet and full overlay. This will enable the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and ensure long-term, reliable operations, especially during bushfire seasons.
“Dubbo Regional Airport is home to the Rural Fire Service Training Academy and Centre for Aviation Excellence along with the NSW Police Regional Education Training Centre and through the strengthening of the runway will continue to expand its role in state-wide emergency response,” Clr Black said.
The upgrade to the Dubbo Regional Airport is estimated to take 18 months to complete.
Dubbo Regional Airport has 23, 680 plane movements each year with 195,000 passengers moving through the terminal annually.
This funding is part of the Government’s Growing Regions Program, which provides funding of between $500,000 and $15 million to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for community infrastructure projects. The Growing Regions Program delivers investment in infrastructure across Australia's regional, rural and remote areas.
Last Edited: 15 Jan 2025