Bendigo Airport’s new terminal is officially open and ready to welcome incoming visitors and farewell departing residents.
The project has been in the works for over 10 years with all levels of government involved, including spearheading action by our local federal member, Lisa Chesters.
The almost $12 million project is a joint initiative between all three levels of government, with the Federal and State Governments investing $4.5 million each and the City of Greater Bendigo contributing $3 million.
The terminal – which is approximately four times larger than the previous building – includes new check-in facilities and departure lounge, upgraded restrooms, provision for future security screening, and an indoor arrival area and baggage collection.
Premier Jacinta Allan opened the airport in her electorate on Friday.
The project also features a 183-space car park along with an expanded apron that can fit two 70-seat aircraft, allowing the airport to include new airlines and future flights to new destinations.
The Premier reminisced on what the airport looked like when she first took up her post as Bendigo East’s state member.
Greater Bendigo’s Mayor, Andrea Metcalf promises more developments soon!
Mayor Metcalf says “projects of this scale are not only an investment in local infrastructure, a valuable transport service and future business opportunities, they deliver real local employment opportunities and represent an investment in the skills and capability of local industry”
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King says “This is a great boost for Bendigo, not only for better air links and facilities but also for local jobs, with up to 19 ongoing jobs expected to be created by 2030.
“This project will boost tourism and the local economy for Bendigo, with the airport’s apron expansion allowing more aircraft and extra space for other airlines, meaning more flights to more destinations in the future.”
Bendigo’s emergency services facilities have been bolstered through the addition of a new helipad that can accommodate a wide array of emergency service helicopters, such as flood and fire response, as well as military and police activity.
A special feature of the airport is the landscaping and interpretive signage prepared by Djandak. Djaara woman Timani Nicholls-Moore provided cultural and creative direction around the garden design, and together with Djaara man Andrew Saunders provided cultural advice for the signage.
Acting Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Cassandra Lewis believes that as custodians of Dja Dja Wurrung Country, the organisation has a cultural responsibility to welcome visitors.
“We are pleased to share some of our Country and Culture through landscaping and interpretive signage, and hope airport users enjoy this space,” Lews says.
