Ballina-Byron Gateway Airport’s runway has been upgraded to meet future aviation demands.
The $20.68 million upgrade which opened today, will support growth for local tourism and businesses as well as provide career opportunities for residents.
The airport was upgraded by overlaying the existing runway surface, replacing the visual approach slope indicator system and improving the runway edge lighting using more energy efficient LED lights.
These works included the design and construction of the 80mm overlay with full width grooving, the installation and repair of surrounding landscaping, and line marking on the runway and taxiway.
It also included the installation of runway edge lights and bases, a pit and duct runway lighting cable system, and a precision approach path indicator.
Emergency support aircraft will also benefit from the upgraded runway as they continue to service the Northern Rivers region.
Emergency aircraft were used across the region during the flood response twice in early 2022 and bushfire response in 2019 and late 2023.
The Australian Government provided $5.5 million to this project and the Ballina Shire Council provided the remainder.
