Aviation Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips visited the airport on Thursday to announce a grant of $215,000 from the Regional Aviation Fund.

Northern Grampians Mayor Kevin Erwin said the continued upgrade was a boost for western Victoria.

“Stage four will enable council to complete the airport redevelopment to a standard that will cater for all existing and expected aircraft types for many years to come,” he said.

“In addition to upgrading the fuel facility to allow 24-7 access by pilots, we will be able to provide a non-precision approach-GPS procedure to the main runway 11 western approach, connect the existing automatic weather information service to the landline telephone and install additional lighting and security fencing.”

Cr Erwin said stage four would complete the first major upgrade of the airport since it was built in 1964. 

“The Stawell Airport redevelopment has been a major success story for council and the Regional Aviation Fund program, providing opportunities for new businesses to establish at the airport and existing businesses to expand their operations,” he said. 

“Job creation and retention is a key focus for us and the completion of the redevelopment will create additional development opportunities at the site. 

“Council is actively looking for new business to establish a base at the airport.”

Mr Rich-Phillips said the fourth stage of development at the airport would enhance its operational capabilities.

“Stage four improvements at the Stawell Airport will not only enable more aircraft to use the airport, they will enhance safety and save pilots time by allowing them to use an alternative approach when there are easterly winds,” he said.

Mr Rich-Phillips also officially opened stage three of the upgrade.