Northern Victoria Region
Ms MAXWELL (Northern Victoria) (12:43): (1646) My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, and it is regarding the need to upgrade the Echuca aerodrome’s airstrip. The Echuca aerodrome is heavily used by the Victorian and New South Wales air ambulances, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the police air wing and other emergency service aircraft. The length and width of the main runway, taxiways, aprons and associated infrastructure, including lighting and drainage, need to be extended. Without it, the new fleet of aeromedical service aircraft cannot access the facility and the community will be denied access to critical medical treatment. The Campaspe shire has already done the planning and assessments necessary in seeking matched funding of $2.1 million to progress the project to construction. My question is to ask the minister if she will accompany me to inspect the aerodrome and meet with stakeholders to discuss this important infrastructure and how the state government can assist with this matter.