📅 January 2026

We are continuing to progress the Bairnsdale Airport Runway Extension and Lighting Upgrade project, an important investment in the region’s safety, resilience and future growth.

The project is being supported by Emergency Recovery Victoria and the National Emergency Management Agency, recognising the critical role Bairnsdale Airport plays in emergency management and disaster response for East Gippsland.

What’s happening now?
Specialist environmental assessments are currently being undertaken as part of the approvals process, ensuring the project meets all environmental and regulatory requirements before construction can begin.
Tender submissions for construction of the runway extension and lighting upgrade are currently being evaluated to ensure the best value, quality and outcomes for the community.

What's next?
To support the environmental approvals and enable delivery of the project, Council will need to purchase a small parcel of land as part of an offset strategy that would see an area of threatened vegetation protected elsewhere. This step is essential to ensure the project can proceed in line with planning and environmental requirements.

We will continue to progress environmental approvals, finalise land acquisition processes and complete tender evaluations.

The runway extension and lighting upgrade will strengthen East Gippsland’s emergency response capability by enabling larger aircraft and night-time operations to support firefighting, medical evacuations and disaster response. The upgrades will also improve safety and reliability, enhance regional connectivity, and support local jobs, economic activity and community resilience.

We appreciate the community’s ongoing interest and support as we work to deliver this important infrastructure upgrade for East Gippsland. Further updates will be shared with the community as the project reaches key milestones.