Bendigo Airport redevelopment progresses with opening of new runway

Less than 24-hours after the Civil Aviation Safety Authority gave the runway its approval, a procession of planes celebrated by taking to the skies.

The opening of the runway was a milestone moment in the Bendigo Airport redevelopment project.

City of Greater Bendigo chief executive officer Craig Niemann said the biggest component of the project’s $15 million second stage was complete. 

“Today’s milestone is about switching over from the old runway to the new runway,” he said. 

The Air Ambulance had just landed on the runway as he spoke to the city’s assembled press.

Mr Niemann said the community had been working for about 20 years to get an upgraded airport for Bendigo.

“Now, with a new runway, we can do so much more,” he said. 

“However, it’s not complete – this is not the official opening. There is still work to be done.” 

Taxiways, lighting, signage and fencing infrastructure are included in the second project. 

“Whilst it is possible for larger aircraft to land on the new runway now, restrictions will remain in place until the taxiways and apron have been strengthened,” Mr Niemann said.

“When complete, the runway will be able to accept freight aircraft carrying up to 30 tonnes or passenger aircraft carrying up to 75 people.”

Council expects the second stage of the project to be complete by May. 

“That’s going to be the really exciting bit, but today’s milestone was certainly worth recognising,” Mr Niemann said. 

He said the opening of the new runway meant the contractors could “get on and do that work” required to complete the second stage.

The airport was open throughout the work to complete the new runway, Mr Niemann said, “which is a fantastic achievement as well.”

He thanked all those involved for their efforts, particularly during the wet weather last year.

All levels of government have contributed to the project: $5 million was provided by the federal government; $4.7 million by the state government; and $5.3 million from the City of Greater Bendigo.

Mayor Margaret O’Rourke was among the first to get a feel for the new runway on Wednesday afternoon, taking to the skies with pilot Colin Hokin of Bendigo Flying Club.

Cr O’Rourke was excited by the opportunity to see the city in the forest from above and proud of where the airport project was at.

Investment in the airport was a priority identified in the Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic Plan.

The first stage of the works were completed in 2014 and included critical drainage infrastructure, 25 new aviation hangar sites, three new taxiways, and improved road access.

Video from the air to come