Mayor's Message 31 July 2026

The Ballarat Airport is ready to take-off, but there is one thing missing.

The airport has long been one of our city’s great assets, supporting essential services, local jobs and regional growth. Today, it is also a precinct with growing momentum, new investment and significant potential for the future.

The next critical step is completing the stage two runway upgrade. This project would rebuild the original section of runway, constructed during World War Two, and bring it up to modern standards.  

It is the missing piece needed to unlock the full potential of the Western Victoria Aviation Precinct Ballarat.

But this is about much more than aviation.  

A stronger, modern runway would help protect vital health services, including aeromedical transfers, neonatal and paediatric air ambulance services.  

It would also strengthen emergency response capability and support the potential for larger firefighting aircraft to operate more effectively from Ballarat, reducing response times across Western Victoria when our communities need support most.

The upgrade would also provide a major boost for local industry. Field Air has been part of Ballarat Airport for more than 60 years, delivering services across agriculture, aerial firefighting, aircraft maintenance and pilot training.  

Interair’s relocation from Essendon Airport further demonstrates the confidence aviation businesses have in Ballarat’s future. With the right infrastructure in place, these operators can expand their work, support skilled local jobs, and attract new opportunities to our region.

Ballarat is one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing regional cities, yet it remains one of the few major centres without a regular airline service. Each day, up to 1600 people from our region travel to Melbourne Airport, highlighting the significant demand for air travel from Ballarat and surrounding communities. While passenger services would be a future opportunity, upgrading the runway is an important foundation for that possibility.

The City of Ballarat has already invested significantly in the airport’s future, alongside support from the Federal Government. Stage one of the runway upgrade has extended the runway, and work is progressing on the terminal redevelopment to support aeromedical and emergency services.

Now, we are advocating for the investment needed to finish the job. Completing the runway upgrade will support essential services, strengthen emergency preparedness, create jobs, attract further private investment and deliver long-term economic benefits for Ballarat and the wider region.

The City of Ballarat is advocating on behalf of our community for projects outlined in our Advocacy Priority Projects Pipeline (APPP) and is looking for all levels of government to invest in the Western Victoria Aviation Precinct Ballarat.    

As I mentioned earlier, the Ballarat Airport is ready to take off. With the right support, we can make sure this important regional asset reaches its full potential for our community.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves