Monday, 4th December 2017

The Andrews Labor Government has ticked off planning approvals for a major upgrade of the West Sale Airport.

In a win for jobs and the local economy, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced a local planning scheme announcement to pave the way for an expansion of the RAAF Base East Sale.

The project is set to create up to 500 new jobs, and the relocation of the ADF’s flight training will inject $2 billion into the Victorian economy.

The Labor Government has already allocated $5 million for upgrades at the airport, which has been picked as one of the new homes of RAAF Defence Pilot Training.

The project includes extending and resurfacing the existing east-west runway. The planning scheme amendment ensures the project can be completed, but not at the expense of nearby farm land. The amendment also ensures noise impact is minimised.

Increasing the number of defence industry personnel permanently based in the region will have positive flow-on effects for Sale’s economy and surrounds.

Victoria’s defence sector contributes up to $8 billion to the state’s economy annually, includes more than 400 businesses and directly employs around 20,000 people.

The planning scheme amendment can be viewed at Website

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“We’re getting the planning right to ensure that this key project can proceed, but not at the expense of the nearby neighbourhood or environment.”

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime project and an enormous opportunity for the community, which will benefit from a big jobs boost and economic injection.”