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THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP

Leader of The Nationals

Shadow Agriculture Minister

Dr ANNE WEBSTER

‍Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health

Federal Member for Mallee

15 April 2025

The Nationals up and away at Mildura Airport with campaign commitment to upgrade runway

 The Nationals have today made their largest commitment yet in the campaign to win Mallee, pledging $12 million to bring Mildura Airport up into the category of airports that can accommodate the most used planes, the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, without restriction.

 Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said The Nationals have backed regional Australia time and again, demonstrated with previous investments like Mildura Sporting Precinct, a commitment for a $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund and now at Mildura Airport.

 “Dr Anne Webster, as your Member for Mallee, has been fighting hard for this project to secure funding from a future Dutton-Littleproud Government,” Mr Littleproud said.

“A future Coalition Government will back Mildura Airport, to the tune of $12 million to upgrade their runway.”

Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said the airport upgrade was vital for the major passenger and freight connection into Sunraysia and Mallee.

“It’s been a turbulent ride for Sunraysia residents and the Airport this last few years under Labor,” Dr Webster said.

“Virgin stopped flying to Mildura in 2020, and almost two years ago to the day, I was thrilled with the community to welcome Bonza Airlines and enjoy their flights to Queensland, and am so sorry that Bonza is no more, and Rex Airlines now in administration.

 “I have spoken with the airlines about the future of Mildura Airport and it is clear that upgrading the runway to take larger planes will enhance passenger capacity and route diversity, so more people can enjoy Tropical North Victoria.

 “737s have visited our airport but have had to do so on a weight-limited basis to limit deterioration of the runway pavement, which has been rated in poor to fair condition, posing potential future risks. As we know with Mallee’s roads, we can not allow our passenger and freight infrastructure to deteriorate – a message The Nationals have received loud and clear.

 “I understand the proposal has a strong return on investment and benefit-cost ratio, another reason The Nationals are only too happy to back the Airport in.

 “I challenge Labor to match this commitment to back Mallee’s largest population centre, Mildura, Sunraysia and Mallee.”

 The Mildura Airport runway upgrade project is expected to cost $28 million, with the Airport positioned to secure additional funding from other sources.

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