Riverina MP’s election pledge of $20m to upgrade Wagga Airport

The ageing Wagga Airport will get a $20 million upgrade if the Coalition retains power, Riverina MP Michael McCormack has announced. Here’s what the money will be spent on.

Riverina MP Michael McCormack has pledged $20 million to upgrade Wagga Airport if the Coalition is re-elected on May 21.

Mr McCormack announced the funding boost at the airport on Wednesday, and said the money would be spent on upgrading the terminal, runway and baggage carousel and creating more car parking spaces.

The announcement comes after Wagga City councillors called on the Nationals MP for an election commitment for more funding, and a fairer leasing arrangement, for the ageing facility at the last council meeting.

“I am delighted to make this major announcement - this airport needs this upgrade to be a world class airport,” Mr McCormack said.

Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout with Riverina MP Michael McCormack with Picture: Patrick Morrow

The announcement was supported by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who said in a statement: “These upgrades will further enhance the Riverina’s capacity as one of our regional powerhouses that drives the development of our nation and makes us as strong as possible as quickly as possible”.

Mr McCormack could not provide a timeline on the upgrade, but promised that if re-elected planning would begin immediately.

“We will still need to go though design work and tenders but we would like to see work on it very soon,” he said.

The airport is owned by the federal government and defence force, with Wagga City Council leasing the airport and responsible for services such as security and the terminal and services it provides.

The council’s current lease expires in 2025 and councillors are seeking a 99-year lease.

Mr McCormack said he’d met with Defence Minister Peter Dutton to discuss the issue.

“I have also had discussions with the general manager of Wagga City Council Peter Thompson to discuss the lease in more detail and to get the best deal,” he said.

Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout welcomed the funding announcement and wants a similar commitment by the other parties. Picture: Patrick Morrow

Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout welcomed the funding announcement by the Coalition, and hoped a lease extension would be soon be agreed upon.

Mr Tout would also like to see a similar funding commitment from other parties.

“We don’t need another plan - we need a commitment from any party in leadership,” he said.

“It is really exciting to hear the announcement by Mr McCormack, the airport needs to be upgraded.

“It is critical to have a runway upgrade, and a brand new car park precinct.”

Mr McCormack was critical of Labor, and other parties, for their lack of commitment to the airport upgrade.

“Labor needs to match this offer and the Labor candidate for the Riverina (Mark Jeffreson) needs to pick up the phone and discuss Wagga City Airport with council because we have heard nothing,” he said.

However Mr Jefferson refuted the comments and advised Mr McCormack to “run his campaign and we will run ours”.

“That is incorrect, I have sat down with Mr Tout over a coffee discussing the issue yesterday with him, so to say no candidate has put forward a solution is just incorrect - we are coming to the table,” he said.

“I support the announcement ... but it is an election promise that is not in the budget papers so it is not concrete.”

Labor candidate for the Riverina Mark Jeffreson.

Mr Jeffreson said he would continue to work with council to ensure funding for the airport, as well as a lease solution.

“Our pledge if I am elected is that I want a proper solution with the lease, not just the money,” he said.

“The money is good but still every other problem is still in play.”

Wagga Airport carries approximately 225,000 passengers annually. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jenny Evans

Meanwhile Greens candidate for the Riverina, Michael Organ, said he would put forward a plan to council by Friday.

“(The funding announcement) is great news, but it is just one-off. It’s no use in the last weeks of the election campaign to put forward a pledge; we need to make a long-term plan for the future over the lease,” he said.

“I have publicly supported the council position and will respond to the Mayor in the coming days.”

Greens candidate for the Riverina Michael Organ said a long term plan was needed for the airport, not just an election pledge. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

UAP candidate Daniel Martelozzo said he supported Mr McCormack’s announcement, and said that he had been in contact with Mr Tout over the lease arrangement.

UAP candidate Daniel Martelozzo with party leader Craig Kelly. Picture: Patrick Morrow

“I would pledge the upgrades to the airport but that is once I am elected,” he said.