It’s been a big year for Bundaberg Regional Airport with direct Melbourne flights launched as Council continues to invest in the infrastructure which makes it possible.
Portfolio spokesperson Cr Greg Barnes said the airport was a critical asset for the region.
“Bundaberg Regional Airport, which is owned and maintained by Council, provides a critical link from our region to two capital cities both for business and recreation,” Cr Barnes said.
“Council maintains this facility in the knowledge that airport infrastructure is so critical to the economy of a regional community.
“By investing in our airport we’re investing in the local tourism industry and ensuring our residents maintain access to travel options which now include direct flights to Melbourne in addition to direct flights to Brisbane.”
He said Council’s 2023-24 budget continued to invest in the facility off the back of significant investment in recent years.
“We’ve seen many improvements undertaken at the airport in recent years.
“Funds have been allocated this year to correct the aviation taxiway to improve some of the older areas of pavement and make them more durable.
“This work is part of an ongoing commitment to maintaining and securing the airport into the future.
“We’re also investing in a number of renewal projects in relation to parking, facility air conditioning and hangar upgrades.”
Cr Barnes said the airport and passenger numbers were in “continued recovery” post-Covid.
“People are once again getting used to the idea of air travel post-pandemic and these numbers and this travel confidence has certainly been boosted by the arrival of new airlines travelling to and from the region.
“Additional competition on the Brisbane to Bundaberg route and the new interstate route has certainly renewed interest in air travel locally.
“While we don’t have specific passenger number details, crowds in the airport terminal indicate that the Melbourne to Bundaberg flights are certainly proving popular.”
Council is continuing to encourage airline companies to look at both increasing schedules and further expanding routes north and south of the region, in line with community requests.
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