Mildura Airport today opens its new Instrument Landing System under the Federal Government’s Community Development Grants Programme.

The official opening of the new system the ribbon was cut by Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster with Mildura Rural City Council, Mayor Cr Liam Wood.

The Australian Government provided $2 million towards the $4 million project. Mildura Rural City Council also provided $1 million alongside Mildura Airport’s $1 million contribution.

Dr Webster said the new Instrument Landing System was a critical infrastructure investment that will increase safety and allow aircraft to land safely in adverse weather conditions.

“In the past, we have had flights diverted that have been unable to land due to poor visibility and fog. The installation of the Instrument Landing System will help to prevent this from occurring. The ILS provides the lateral and vertical guidance necessary to fly a precision approach in times of low visibility and fog.”

“This project will provide critical safety and security measures for planes to land rather than be turned back to Melbourne due to adverse weather conditions and low visibility.”  Dr Webster said.

Along with the enhanced safety, the ILS will provide an essential navigation facility for the training of pilots with the three flight schools that are located at Mildura Airport.

“Opening up to the world again is such a relief and there are many locals who can’t wait to board a plane and head off for holidays, after a tough 18 months. This new system will mean greater reliability for Sunraysia residents to be able to travel far and wide.

“The rollout of this project has supported 23 local jobs throughout construction and will create around 50 jobs going forward,” Dr Webster said.

Fast Facts:

• The project upgraded the Mildura Airport by installing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) which included:
  • upgrade of the airport electrical network
  • civil and site works required for the installation of the new system
  • Indra ILS project management design and installation of the Distance Measuring System and
  • Global Airspace design of instrument flight procedure.
• The Australian Government is investing a record $110 billion over 10 years from 2021–22 through its rolling infrastructure plan to secure Australia’s world-leading economic recovery by delivering nation-building infrastructure projects, water security to inland Australia, meeting our national freight challenge and getting Australians home sooner and safer.
• This includes an additional $15.2 billion in new commitments to infrastructure projects through the 2021-22 Budget, supporting an estimated 30,000 jobs and benefitting every state and territory.