Construction of Ballarat Airport upgrade opens for tenders

A critical next step in improving infrastructure at Ballarat Airport is about to be delivered, with the City of Ballarat seeking tenders for works to lengthen the runway. 

This is the first stage of a transformational three-stage project for Ballarat and the region which will improve transport connections, stimulate economic growth, assist business expansion, and aid jobs growth. 

The scope of works includes a 555-metre-long extension to the airport runway to an operating length of 1800-metres. 

Works will also include drainage and stormwater upgrades, security fencing, pavements, asphalting, airside lighting installation and upgrades in accordance with aviation standards, and landscaping. 

Experts in airport runway design JJ Ryan Consulting has worked closely with the City of Ballarat to outline the design, delivery, and technical reports for the potential contractors.  

The Ballarat Airport is a significant aviation facility servicing western Victoria. 

It is an important strategic and economic asset for the region, generating $10 million in output per annum, with commercial on-site businesses employing 90 staff.  

The airport accommodates a wide mix of beneficial activities including aviation businesses, recreational aviation uses, community hubs and emergency services operations.  

Delivery of all three stages of the planned upgrades to airport infrastructure will open up the potential for a range of new aviation-based opportunities including: 

• Large firefighting and emergency services aircraft 

• Regular passenger transport services 

• Larger commercial freight aircraft 

• New aviation businesses including increased flight training and maintenance opportunities 

If the full economic potential of the Ballarat Airport is to be realised, the further stages of the runway strengthening, and upgrades to the taxiways and terminals need to be funded and delivered. 

Following the completion of the entire staged works, expected user benefits include: 

• Increased capacity for the airport to be used for strategic emergency responses.  

• Stimulation of private investment to increase economic output by an estimated $20 million. 

• Increase to the region’s economy of approximately $8.3 million.  

• The expansion of existing operators and attraction of new aviation businesses.  

• Creation of approximately 47 new jobs.  

The runway extension is being jointly funded by the City of Ballarat ($5 million) and Federal Government ($4.8 million).  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said the airport runway was a significant investment in Ballarat 

“This is a transformational project for Ballarat and the region which will improve transport connections, stimulate economic growth, assist business expansion and aid job growth. 

“It is exciting to see Ballarat getting on with it, extending the runway and providing new opportunities for aviation businesses and emergency services that use the airport.” 

For more information on this project and to see the Tender documents, visit the City of Ballarat website by 2 June 2022.