The new terminal at Bendigo Airport was the subject of a $12 million project funded by the City of Greater Bendigo and the state and federal governments. Photo: City of Greater Bendigo.
A new airport terminal and business park at Bendigo Airport was officially opened on Friday by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen and Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.
The $12 million project began in 2022 and is a joint initiative between the City of Greater Bendigo, which contributed $3 million, and the state and federal governments, which provided $4.5 million each.
The new terminal is about four times larger than the building it has replaced, and includes new check-in facilities and departure lounge, upgraded restrooms, provision for future security screening, and an indoor arrival area and baggage collection.
The project also added a 183-space carpark and an expanded aircraft apron that can fit two 70-seat aircraft such as the Q300 and Q400 airliners operated by QantasLink.
A new helipad has also been added through a separate grant of $300,000 from the Federal Government’s Regional Airports Program, giving the airport greater flexibility to support emergency services helicopters such as those used in flood and fire response, as well as military and police helicopters.
Landscaping and interpretive signage were done by Bendigo-based traditional owners’ business Djandak, with Djaara woman Timani Nicholls-Moore providing cultural and creative direction around the garden design, and Djaara man Andrew Saunders providing cultural advice for the signage.
Acting Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Cassandra Lewis said that, as custodians of Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Dja Dja Wurrung Group had a cultural responsibility to welcome visitors.
“We are pleased to share some of our Country and culture through landscaping and interpretive signage, and hope airport users enjoy this space,” she said.
Premier Allan said the airport revamp would not only provide better access to the facility but would support jobs for the local community.
“There is so much to see and do in Bendigo, and this new terminal will mean more visitors can experience everything our vibrant regional city has to offer,” she said.
(From left) Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King, Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and Bendigo Council CEO Andrew Cooney open the new terminal building. Photo: City of Greater Bendigo.
Minister King said the project was a great boost for Bendigo, not only for better air links and facilities but also for local jobs.
“This project will boost tourism and the local economy for Bendigo, with the airport’s apron expansion allowing more aircraft and extra space for other airlines, meaning more flights to more destinations in the future,” she said.
Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf said thanks to the Bendigo to Sydney Qantas service and the new terminal building, travelling from Bendigo Airport had never been easier.
“Projects of this scale are not only an investment in local infrastructure, a valuable transport service and future business opportunities, they deliver real local employment opportunities and represent an investment in the skills and capability of local industry,” she said.
