One of the Riverina's largest tourism attraction has been given a boost to grow even bigger following a federal government announcement on Wednesday.
The original Temora Aerodrome runway and associated main apron and taxiways at Temora Airport will be upgraded via a $5.3m grant, announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Riverina MP Michael McCormack.
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The funding is set to enable the operation of large aircraft that will enhance the Temora Aviation Museum and in turn boost the region's economy.
Peter Harper, general manager of Temora Aviation Museum, welcomed the announcement.
"As the Museum maintains a flying collection of ex-military aircraft, any improvements to the Temora Aerodrome in upgrading the original runway, taxiways, aprons and associated infrastructure is welcomed," Mr Harper said.
"It will ensure the continued operational requirements for many years to come."
Mr Harper said the upgrades would benefit the Warbirds Downunder, which is hosted at the museum and is one of the largest aviation events in regional Australia.
"It is such a unique event and planning has already commenced for Warbirds Downunder 2020," he said.
It will ensure the continued operational requirements for many years to come.
- Peter Harper, general manager of Temora Aviation Museum
The biannual event was rebooted only in 2018 following a three-year hiatus.
It attracted up to 25,000 aviation enthusiasts and tourists alike.
"The Temora Aviation Museum would like to congratulate Temora Shire Council in perusing this funding to ensure that aviation continues to thrive in Temora and regional Australia," Mr Harper said.
Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman said the funding would be boost to the local community.
"I have to say this news just made our whole year," Cr Firman said.
"This means a great deal for future-proofing this crucial asset for the Temora Shire community.
"Our airport and our aviation museum has a rich history and an exciting future – and this announcement further secures this.
"I can’t thank our federal member, Deputy Prime Minister McCormack, enough for his strong and genuine support of Temora Shire."
Mr McCormack said the funding via the Building Better Regions Fund was about supporting local regions.
"We are supporting our regions through investing in important local infrastructure, as well as great community-building and planning initiatives," Mr McCormack said.
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"In this round we are also investing more than $70 million in regional tourism infrastructure, to support those many regional communities that rely on tourism."
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