Coalition funds $100,000 Edenhope Airport upgrade
The Victorian Coalition Government will spend more than $100,000 to upgrade Edenhope’s Aerodrome to improve access for air emergency services.
Aviation Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips made the announcement while visiting Edenhope today.
“Edenhope’s aerodrome is a vital piece of community infrastructure and I congratulate West Wimmera Shire Council for pursuing this project,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“The upgrade will give peace of mind to the West Wimmera community by helping the state’s air ambulances and aerial firefighters to reach Edenhope more easily.
“The funding will be used to widen the airstrip which will mean Air Ambulance Victoria will be able to fly in and out of Edenhope during the day or night.
“Importantly, it will also allow larger aircraft, particularly the King Air B350 which could become the standard aircraft used by Air Ambulance Victoria, to land at Edenhope,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said the upgrade to Edenhope Aerodrome would make the district more accessible.
“Transport is a big issue for country communities and, in particular, for Edenhope residents who need to travel almost 100 kilometres to Horsham or 400 kilometres to Melbourne to access many services,” Mr Delahunty said.
“”Upgrading the airport at Edenhope provides the community with another important travel option, be it for business or recreation. It’s also important for the local aerial agricultural providers who are based at the airport.”
Funding for the project has been made available through the Coalition Government’s $20 million Regional Aviation Fund, which was established to improve airport infrastructure.
