Bourke Shire council mayor Lachlan Ford has welcomed significant new funding for the district's Airport.

The Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, was in Bourke today to announce that the Government is working closely with the Bourke Shire Council, Central Darling Shire Council and Edward River Council to future proof access at three priority airstrips.

‘’Council briefed the Minister on the recent flooding event in the Shire: the ongoing issue of the need for water security for Bourke; sought advice in regards to potential funding opportunities for the North Bourke Bridge project; raised the need for the continuation of air services to Bourke, Cobar and Walgett; and advised her of concerns that landholders have raised with Council regarding the Wild Dog Fence project," Cr Lachlan Ford said.

The funding and work will enable better essential and emergency services access and allow for a greater range of operations at the airstrips. The funding is being made available as follows:

·      $4.66 million available to strengthen the runway at Bourke Airport

·      $5.76 million earmarked for improving White Cliffs airstrip 

“Our rural and remote airstrips are a lifeline for regional NSW communities and provide vital access points for health and emergency services, specialist trades and general supplies, including in times of natural disasters," said NSW Minister for Western NSW Taria Moriarty when in Bourke on Thursday 24 April.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to making access for regional communities better and this investment from our Regional Development Trust Fund is delivering infrastructure to where it is needed and will make real improvements.

“These upgrades at the Bourke, Deniliquin and White Cliffs airstrips will ensure these important assets are well prepared for the future with the ability to accommodate larger planes as fleets change in size and grow to bring more people, goods and trade to regional NSW.

“The Bourke Airport is a critical hub in Western NSW that supports health professionals, emergency services and trades whilst also providing the community with access to commercial flights to Dubbo and beyond.”