The proposed Kooweerup airport has again being thrown into the spotlight after being mentioned in a Federal Government report.
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), alongside Tourism Research Australia (TRA), released a document titled ‘Tourism Investment Monitor 2021-22’ in February.
A section in the document states the investment projects being made in aviation in Victoria.
The sections lists the proposed Kooweerup airport and states it makes up a significant chunk of overall investment in tourism and the aviation for the state.
Investment in the aviation sector totalled $8.5 billion for Victoria, with a major contribution from the proposed privately owned Kooweerup airport worth $7 billion.
Austrade and TRA compile the Tourism Investment Monitor to provide an annual update on aspects of the tourism economy’s performance and its future prospects.
The report is a point in-time measure of investment (planned and committed) in fixed assets related to Australia’s tourism sector.
The airport has been mentioned in the report for the last few years.
Two decades on from when the South East was identified as the preferred site for an airport, Cardinia Shire Council is still advocating for an airport in the South East.
“Cardinia Shire Council has been actively advocating to the State and Federal Governments to deliver an airport in Melbourne’s South East for many years,” Andrew Pomeroy, council’s manager for arts, advocacy and economy, stated.
“We are now collaborating with the Greater South East Melbourne Group (GSEM) to drive this agenda at a regional level.
“We know how crucial an airport is to the development and prosperity of our community and the South East region more broadly.
“We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the development of an airport in the South East is given the necessary attention and support from all levels of government.”
GSEM incorporates all of the South East Melbourne shires, representing the needs of one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.
A spokeperson for GSEM said: “GSEM is undertaking a range of activities to ensure that the airport not only is well planned and progressed but also takes advantage of new technology and a more sustainable approach to airport operations and development, putting the South East region at the forefront of aviation services for generations to come.”
As to the immediate possibility of the proposed airport going ahead, the spokesperson said: “At this time, GSEM is not aware of any committed plans or funding to develop an airport in the South East but would certainly welcome any private or public investment moving forward.”
The general location of the South East was marked as needing an airport as early as 2002 in the Melbourne 2030 document.
Potential sites have included Hastings, Tooradin, Caldermeade and, of course, Kooweerup.
