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East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally

East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies.

By news@gippsland - 18th September 2025 - Back to News

East Gippsland Shire Council has confirmed its support for the upgrade of Bairnsdale Airport, voting on Tuesday 16 September to back the project that will boost emergency response and healthcare services for the whole region. The runway will be extended from 1,098 to 1,600 metres and widened from 18 to 30 metres, addressing current limitations for aircraft operating on pavement concessions.

East Gippsland Shire Council supports Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending and widening runway to strengthen emergency response, patient retrievals, and regional healthcare services

Essential runway upgrade

Bairnsdale Airport has the second-highest number of fixed-wing patient retrievals in regional Victoria, with Air Ambulance Victoria performing up to three flights daily. During the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires, it became a vital hub with more than 100 aircraft movements a day.

Mayor Cr John White said the upgrade was essential. "This is about saving lives. Every minute matters in a medical emergency, and our community deserves safe, reliable air ambulance operations," Cr White said. "The project is a high priority. The upgrade is essential to ensure the airport can continue to meet our region's needs and safeguards the airport's role in regional aviation."

Bairnsdale Airport upgrade

The upgrade as proposed would bring the Bairnsdale runway up to a similar standard to what is offered at West Sale, Latrobe, Mt Hotham, Warrnambool and Mildura. The project has strong backing from health and emergency services. Toll Aviation, which runs Air Ambulance Victoria flights, said dependable infrastructure was critical to patient care.

The works will require the removal of 11 hectares of native vegetation, including protected Gippsland Red Gum Grassy Woodland. An offset strategy is being drawn up which would see an area of threatened vegetation protected elsewhere.

The project is set to be supported by a $9.68 million grant, currently awaiting confirmation, and $5 million from Council. Together with the new patient transfer facility for Ambulance Victoria, the upgrade will strengthen emergency response, improve health outcomes, and set up the airport for future opportunities.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com