Significant investments in the infrastructure and health needs of the Hastings highlighted in the Federal Budget announced last week have been welcomed by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
Council’s executive has been working closely with Member for Lyne Rob Oakeshott to highlight a number of significant projects that require federal government assistance, including the upgrade of Port Macquarie Airport and the Port Macquarie basketball stadium, Council said.
Council’s Administrator Neil Porter believes the allocations will have a positive impact on the economy and tourism.
“The $19 million allocation for the Mid-North Coast Aviation Plan, which includes Taree and Kempsey airports, is fantastic news,” he said.
“A great deal of work has gone into developing an Airport Master Plan and having $15 million allocated to the Port Macquarie Airport upgrade is a welcome boost for the region.
Mr Porter said Council is currently working on creating detailed designs for the upgrade.
Another budget allocation provided $2.8 million towards upgrading the Port Macquarie basketball stadium to a multi-functional sporting facility “to potentially deliver an expanded facility that can accommodate local and national competitions as well as non-sporting events”.
Mr Porter also acknowledged the work of Mr Oakeshott over many months in securing the funding.
