A new $4.24 million aerospace manufacturing facility was officially opened in the Latrobe Valley yesterday.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss was on hand for the ceremony at the Growing Aerospace Manufacturing facility at Latrobe Regional Airport.
“This project created 107 jobs during construction and up to 200 jobs have been created in the aerospace industry since the start of this project,” Mr Truss said.
“The work has involved the construction of an additional aircraft development hangar and infrastructure upgrades to support manufacturing and emergency services at the airport. It has also seen improvements to navigation aids, runway lighting, taxiways and aprons.
“What this means is a much more effective airport capable of handling growth in air traffic, a particularly important outcome for regional towns impacted by the tyranny of distance.”
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the extensive upgrades had been ‘class-leading’.
“Outcomes of the project included the replacement of the old incandescent lighting system with a complete LED runway and taxiway lighting system, and a Precision Approach Path Indicator, which is the largest complete LED system currently in Victoria,” Mr Chester said.
“Other works included a 33,350 square metre resurfacing of the main runway, improved drainage and additional water tanks, as well as improvements to taxiways and line markings.”
Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said the upgrades to the airport held benefits for more than just local residents.
“I am delighted to see the upgrades complete and I am looking forward to continued investment by the Australian Government in the region. Supporting projects like these is the aim of our $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which will support major projects, create jobs and build stronger regional communities in the Latrobe Valley,” Ms Pulford said.
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