Construction of a long-awaited airport runway at Deniliquin should start by the end of 2026.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
That is the timeline Edward River Council is working to, now that its project proposal has been formally submitted to the NSW Government for approval.
The submission outlines that work required to “future proof” and improve airport infrastructure is costed at $4,575,000.
This amount will be funded by the NSW Government, under funding previously promised through the Airstrips Improvements in Rural and Remote NSW Program.
Mayor Ashley Hall said an application process completed this month was simply a “box ticking exercise” to have the promised funding allocated.
The scope of works submitted with the application has been finalised in consultation with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and using information previously developed with the Airport Users Group.
It will include:
• Lengthening runway 06/24 to 1600m (currently 1219m long);
• Constructing the runway pavement for the extension to a Pavement Classification Number of 10, similar to the existing runway;
• Reconstructing the existing sealed taxiway from Runway 06/24 to the Terminal building, emergency access gate and fuel bowsers. Taxiway pavement will be the same strength as the runway pavement;
• Providing an aircraft apron area near the existing emergency gate to support aeromedical operations; and,
• Facility upgrades including solar runway lighting for the grassed runway to support operations on this runway during construction and provision of cloud tracking at the Automated Weather Instrument System (AWIS).
A key advantage of the extended runway is being able to accommodate air ambulance aircraft in any weather conditions.
An added benefit would be the impact it could have on aero tourism and opportunities for fly-in fly-out work, and even the calibre of artists that could be sourced for the Deniliquin Ute Muster.
Mayor Ashley Hall said improved airport services could also help with bringing medical specialists into the community, or other professionals, which would be vital if council’s campaign to have a new Deniliquin Hospital constructed comes to fruition.
And he also said proposals for a Deniliquin-based regular passenger service are never off the table.
“You can never say never, and I am in very low key talks with other regional mayors where passenger services currently exist,” Cr Hall said.
“Some of them have daily services to Sydney, and I’ve started asking questions about whether there is an opportunity to link in with that in the future.”
Cr Hall said the long-term goal is for Deniliquin Airport to service the entire region.
He said this aim would need the support from surrounding communities, with Murray River Council already very supportive of council’s aims.
Locals have been lobbying for a runway extension for a number of years, and it was a key element of a previous Edward River Council Growth Strategy.
But plans for the runway extension were shelved by ERC in 2023, most likely because of reports that applications for an additional $4 million in funding upgrades had been rejected.
Council had been awarded $5.9 million for airport upgrades, but it was not enough to cover the desired extension.
The funding was used to upgrade the existing 1219m runway, which was officially opened in June last year.
Deniliquin was one of three communities promised funding for further airport upgrades late last year. It would share a combined total of $15 million with White Hills and Bourke.
Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said the selection of the successful locations followed a statewide audit of regional airstrips, which included consultation with local government, the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Flying Doctor Service, NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Ambulance and Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Edward River Council director infrastructure Mark Dalzell said the funding is expected to be released in July this year.
“Based on commencement of planning and design work shortly after the outcome of the application is known, it is anticipated that this preliminary phase of the project will be completed by February 2026,” he said.
“This would allow construction to start later in 2026.
“Council staff note that construction timeframes will need to be based on airport usage, including the Ute Muster event, aerial spraying and other airport uses.
“Council will work with the users and construction contractors to determine the best time to undertake the construction, understanding that the works will have a significant impact on operations at the airport.”
Senior journalist