To progress the Bendigo Airport terminal expansion and business park, City of Greater Bendigo has signed a contract with the Federal Government to secure $4.5 million in remaining funds needed for the upgrade.
The paperwork was finalised on 1 April 2022, with the Federal Government pledging $4.5 million.
The funding was announced in January 2022 and matches a previous commitment of $4.5 million from the Victorian Government, with the City of Greater Bendigo also contributing $985,000.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor, Andrea Metcalf, said the introduction of the Bendigo to Sydney Qantas service has been an unprecedented success and with an expanded termina the City will be able to welcome bigger planes, access new domestic travel opportunities and attract more tourists to the region.
“The complementary business park will also allow us to realise new business opportunities, investment and jobs that will arise from the additional flights,” Cr Metcalf said.
“We thank our funding partners for investing in this project and also our community for supporting the initial service.
“We are so excited by today’s news, this has been Council’s number one priority project for a number of years and we very much look forward to this next stage of construction at Bendigo Airport.”
The redevelopment will expand the terminal’s existing footprint and include a new departure lounge, provision for security screening area, waiting lounge, baggage claim, restroom facilities, new administration building and equipment shed.
The business park will include 21 lots connected to drainage, sewer and water services, roadworks and new car park, and improved lighting and landscaping.
Bendigo City Chief Executive Officer, Craig Niemann, said he expects construction to commence soon.
“The City recently called for construction tenders and is in the process of evaluating the submissions. We look forward to announcing the successful tenderer and progressing this project,” Mr Niemann said.
“We thank the Federal and Victorian governments and all politicians we have met with over the years who have helped advocate for the airport and deliver these funds.”
The project is expected to support 49 jobs during the construction phase and create five full time jobs in the first year of operation, and up to 19 jobs by 2030.
