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The federal government will invest $2.68 million to improve safety and capacity at Tasmania’s Flinders Island Airport.
Granted under round two of the Growing Regions Program, the funding will allow the airport to modernise its runway lighting and electrical systems, as well as build a new operations office to house critical operational infrastructure.
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“Quality infrastructure in regional areas is more important than ever. This much needed funding for Flinders Island Airport will ensure its long-term viability as a hub for the Furneaux Islands region,” Transport Minister Catherine King said.
“The project focuses on modernising Flinders Island Airport while embracing sustainability and enhancing liveability for the community here.
“By creating a more attractive and reliable travel gateway, the project is also expected to increase tourism and business opportunities for the Island and beyond.”
Flinders Council Mayor Rachel Summers welcomed the investment, which comes following advocacy by the council in Canberra last year.
“We’ve had a discussion amongst Councillors, and we needed to approach our advocacy in a different way to the way our Council had done so in the past, and so we decided to take a trip to Canberra to meet the key ministers who had the most impact on our area,” Summers said.
According to Summers, the announcement is “of critical importance” to the Flinders Island community and will “strengthen safety, well-being and social inclusion”.
“With this project, it is really about saving lives. With [the Royal Flying Doctor Service] there’s been over demand on the island, 24 hours a day, also when we have search and rescue operations, and when we have bushfires and need emergency services crews coming to the island at all hours of the day,” she said.
“By not having our electrical system up to date, compliant and to the current standards, we are essentially risking people’s lives.
“The project will cement the continued operation of the Flinders Island Airport and support the region’s tourism, business, and emergency services.
“By successfully gaining funding through the Growing Regions fund we are able to commence stage one of the revitalisation project focusing on upgrading electrical systems and lighting; and constructing a new operations office.”
Flinders Island Airport is primarily served by regional carrier Sharp Airlines, which flies to Hobart, Launceston, and Melbourne’s Essendon Airport. Sharp has been contacted for comment.
