Closing out almost a week spent in the southern Riverina and northern NSW, Federal Labor Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill was given the honours of cutting the ribbon.
The $5.9 million project benefited from federal funding.
It enabled the original 1219m sealed runway (runway 06/24) to be removed and replaced with a new construction, with significantly increased bearing capacity for both the runway and taxiway.
For those coming in after dark – such as the frontline emergency services – a new aeronautical ground lighting system has been installed, along with a new lighting cubicle and infrastructure.
New LED luminaires for the existing illuminated wind direction indicator (IWDI) and apron floodlights will increase safety during take-off and landings at night and in low visibility.
Construction of the new airport runway was completed in November last year.
“I am pleased to be here for the occasion of a very significant upgrade - this important piece of aeronautic infrastructure,” Senator O’Neill said.
“There was $4 million from the Federal Government, but no small investment from your local community of $1.9 million to bring this into being.
“That is a joint commitment, and that's when Australians really show that we're working at our best - when we find ways to do things together that are in the community interest; at community level, at regional level, at state level, and at federal level.
“And that's where we are today, here with a critical, positive infrastructure that's going to improve safety, modernize and bring the standard of services to those who are flying in and flying out here at Deni up to the standard that's expected and acceptable for 2024/25 and going forward.”
Mayor Peta Betts said while being important for all users of the airport, the runway upgrades will particularly increase the airport’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
Investment by key emergency services at the airport has seen it become the Emergency Operations Centre for the district, and that the runway would better support aerial firefighting and access for medical services.
Following Friday’s official opening, the Deniliquin Aero Club partnered with other users of the airport to host a community open day on Sunday.
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