'No need to be concerned' about airport runway
In regards to a recent letter about the capability of the Bendigo Airport runway, there is no need to be concerned.
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Currently, the Bendigo Airport is welcoming the Q300 aircraft carrying up to 50 people - it is one of the most popular forms of regional aircraft in the world and ideally suited to fly from Bendigo to nearby capital cities. Planes of this size require a Pavement Classification Number of 19.
The runway has been designed and built to accommodate Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, which are capable of carrying more than 80 passengers and require a Pavement Classification Number of 21.
It is not difficult for the City of Greater Bendigo to change the classification, it is a matter of completing the necessary paperwork and no further construction work is required.
All construction modelling was based on one day attracting bigger planes such as the Dash 8 Q400.
When constructing runways you need to allow time for the materials to naturally consolidate, which will allow the Pavement Classification Number to increase from 19 to 21.
The City was being conservative in setting the Pavement Classification Number at 19. We also knew that no airline was going to chart larger planes until a service was able to prove itself and our community could demonstrate its use of regular flights.
The fantastic news is our community has embraced Bendigo to Sydney return services, so much so that from August this year it will be a true seven-day-a-week return service following an announcement by Qantas to add an additional two flights to the schedule.
Our discussions continue with airlines to investigate other routes and welcoming larger planes to meet demand.
When the opportunity arises, an increase in Pavement Classification Number will be easily addressed.
Bernie O'Sullivan, City of Greater Bendigo Director Strategy and Growth
Locking out access to public lands: have your say
Last week I had a motion pass successfully in the upper house of the Victorian Parliament calling on Parks Victoria to consult with local communities before locking out access to public lands.
It is unfortunate that it has come to this, but over the past year rock climbers have been locked out from half their climbs in the Grampians, a 47-year-old car rally at Sea Lake was stopped, and horse riding trails at Warrnambool were closed with little or no consultation. Parks Victoria appear to have an agenda - a future of no people allowed into any bush, anywhere.
I believe public land should be for the public. Parks Victoria are now on notice that there should be no more lockouts without at least talking to local people first. I am writing to you to encourage readers to get in touch with my office if they would like to take up any issues about park access with the Government and Parks Victoria.
Tim Quilty, MP for Northern Victoria
Have your say: Letters must carry the name, full address and telephone number of the author. The writer's name and suburb/town will be published. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters which are deemed inappropriate will not be published. Send letters to Bendigo Advertiser, PO Box 61, Bendigo 3552 or using the form below.