Funding for upgrades of Ballarat, Mildura, Yarrawonga, Maryborough and Warrnambool airports

Five regional airports have received federal government funding. See where the cash is being splashed.

A federal government funding boost for Ballarat airport has stopped short of the facility being able to introduce passenger planes.

The Ballarat Council-owned airport has secured $1.1m to rebuild an old terminal building into a new, “fit for purpose space” for emergency responders and medical patients awaiting air transfer.

A dedicated parking area for medical aircraft will also be provided allowing direct access to the facility.

Last year, a council study showed more than 1000 people from western Victoria travelled daily to Melbourne to fly.

Improved facilities for emergency responders and medical aircraft will be carried out at Ballarat airport.

Introduction of commercial flights into Ballarat also had the backing of close to 80 per cent of businesses that were surveyed.

Mayor Tracey Hargreaves welcomed the funding, but conceded more wanted to be done.

“The new facility will provide emergency services personnel, aircrews and patients with a dedicated, safe and protected space at the airport to conduct patients transfers and medical examinations while waiting for aircraft to arrive, out of the often-harsh Ballarat weather,” she said.

“This facility, together with the recently completed runway extension, is essential to the Ballarat airport’s envisioned future as a hub for the west of the state that can cater to larger commercial and emergency services aircraft.”

The $1.1m is guaranteed funding and not an election promise.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King confirmed funding for Ballarat, Mildura, Maryborough, Yarrawonga and Warrnambool airports. Picture: Samuel Davis

It was confirmed by Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, who is also the local federal member.

Also receiving funding from the regional airports program fourth round is Mildura airport, which has secured $1.9m to primarily repair the main runway.

Mildura had an increase in passenger numbers year-on-year in 2024, up 35,200 to 236,300.

Maryborough, Yarrawonga and Warrnambool airports also received funding for minor upgrade works.