Minister for Regional Development Minister for Local Government and Territories Senator the Fiona Na

• $15 million airport upgrade complete with all services operational
• Increased capacity for larger passenger services and export of local products
• Ensures emergency service and disaster relief operations remain in the Bendigo region

Bendigo's improved aviation hub is now up and running with the completion of a $15 million airport upgrade to open up a range of new passenger and freight services.

Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the airport is set to play a vital role in the future growth and development of Bendigo.

"The upgraded Bendigo Airport will operate as the third gateway to Bendigo and the Loddon Mallee region, after road and rail," Minister Nash said.

"I aim to help build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and improving connectivity and transport is a big part of that."

Senator for Victoria Jane Hume, who joined the Bendigo community today for the official opening celebrations, said the project enhanced the airport's capacity as an aviation hub.

"The new runway and taxiways will enable larger aircraft carrying 70 passengers or up to 30 tonnes to land at the airport, providing the region with the opportunity to operate regular passenger transport and export services," Senator Hume said.

"The upgrades will ensure critical emergency services such as Air Ambulance, firefighting operations and disaster relief will continue to be based in Bendigo and service the Loddon Mallee region."

Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo East said the Victorian Government invested $4.7 million towards this project reinforcing its commitment to building much needed infrastructure in the regions.

"This new runway builds on the improvements that have already been delivered through this vital project, including 25 new hangars, three new taxiways, and better road access to the airport," Ms Allan said.

Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo Margaret O'Rourke said completing the new runway was an exciting milestone in the airport's redevelopment.

"Today is a wonderful celebration of more than two decades of planning and provides an important piece of infrastructure for Greater Bendigo and central Victoria," Cr O'Rourke said.

"Council looks forward to embarking on the next chapter of the airport redevelopment project, the construction of an airside business park, and seeing the airport become a major generator of employment in the region."

Stage two of this project was jointly funded by the Coalition Government ($5 million), the Victorian Government ($4.7 million) and the City of Greater Bendigo ($5.3 million).