Some $112,766 has been promised by the state government for Broken Hill City Council to deliver a plan and business case, addressing the expected increase in traffic from the region’s expanding mining industry and its likely knock-on effect on Broken Hill airport.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, Dugald Saunders, was at Broken Hill Airport on Thursday to announce the funding, which comes out of the NSW Government’s Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund.
The money is essentially set to be allocated for the Council, and potentially consultants, to write a report.
“The bush is bursting with people full of ideas with the potential to create jobs, boost economies, and attract investment,” Mr Saunders said.
“Any successful project starts with evidence-based planning and this program helps take great concepts a step closer to reality.
“It’s not unusual to see a strain on transport networks in a growth area like Broken Hill and this funding will help find solutions to support the region to continue to thrive.”
Mayor Tom Kennedy was also at the announcement and said the initiative was vital for the future of the Far West region.
“This business case will allow us to take a strategic approach to the airport, transforming the precinct into a hub for industrial and commercial enterprise, along with delivering upgrades needed to meet Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) standards,” Mr Kennedy said.
“I wish to thank Deputy Premier Toole, Minister Saunders and the NSW Government for their ongoing support of the city at this critical time.”
