Vic opposition blasts government on airports

The Victorian opposition coalition has attacked the Brumby government for failing to ensure the viability of a number of regional airports around the state.

Citing the Engineers Australia 2010 Infrstructure Report Card for Victoria, Shadow Aviation Industry Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said that the Labor government had not supported the network of more than 80 public use regional airports around Victoria.

“Over the last 10 years Labor has committed minimal funds for regional airport works, with only seven airports receiving any government support under the current program,” he said, and called upon the government to stop neglecting the airports.

Engineers Australia overall rated Victoria’s airports at ‘B’ level indicating a generally good level, although it cites concerns over the connections of Melbourne’s secondary airports, Essendon and Moorabbin, to public transport, while adding that the viability of many regional airports is of concern.