Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey and NSW Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro arrived at the Kempsey Shire Council office today to make the transaction official. 

Mr Barilaro said the Government was happy to be supporting the council-initiated project, as it represented an opportunity for the region to reinvest in significant infrastructure. 

“The project also supports jobs growth in the Macleay Valley which forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment to regional jobs under the Jobs for NSW initiative,” he said. 

“The project will create both professional and operational employment, while revitalising the airport facilities.” 

Kempsey Shire Council mayor Liz Campbell said that fuel has been something needed at the airport to ensure it could be utilised to its full potential.

“Council has been campaigning for a fuel system at the airport for nearly four years, it’s been the missing piece of the puzzle, and this funding will enable a new system to be installed,” Cr Campbell said. 

“Fuel availability at the airport is critical not just for recreational aviation but also emergency services, and was something that council could not deliver on its own.”

Australian International Aviation College is expanding its operations at the airport and expects to train up to 200 commercial international pilots. 

Mrs Pavey said funding for an automated fuel system underpins the expansion of the college which in turn would help to grow employment.