City of Ballarat welcomes investment into Ballarat Airport

The City of Ballarat is celebrating following an announcement today that the Federal Government will contribute $1.1 million to repurpose the ageing terminal building at Ballarat Airport into an aeromedical patient transfer and emergency services facility. As part of the project, the aircraft parking area immediately in front of the terminal building will be expanded to accommodate larger aircraft.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King announced the Federal Government would provide the funding via the Regional Airport Program, alongside City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves.  

This transformative $2.3 million project will provide emergency services personnel, air crews and patients with a dedicated aircraft parking area and a suitably equipped indoor space at the airport. Currently, patient transfers take place outside on the apron — a designated aircraft movement area.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the aeromedical transfer and emergency services facility would address these issues. 

“Ballarat Airport serves as a key transport hub for much of western Victoria, particularly in relation to aeromedical patient transfers and as an operational base for emergency services, including aerial firefighting crews,” Cr Hargreaves said. 

“The new facility will ensure emergency services staff and air crews no longer need to wait in vehicles on the apron, exposed to Ballarat’s often-harsh weather, while they conduct patient transfers or medical examinations.

“Today’s announcement is essential to realising the vision for Ballarat Airport as the key air transport hub for the west of the state that can cater to larger commercial and emergency services aircraft.

"The City of Ballarat thanks the Australian Government for its investment in this critical facility.”