Regional leaders join united push to secure Port Macquarie Airport’s future

BUSINESS NSW has launched its new policy paper, Keeping Regional NSW Connected: The Future of Our Airports, calling for a coordinated and long-term approach to securing the future of regional aviation across NSW.

Launched inside the passenger terminal at Port Macquarie Airport, the paper outlines a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at strengthening regional airport infrastructure, improving air
service reliability, supporting workforce development and positioning regional NSW to capitalise on emerging opportunities in aviation.

The launch brought together key aviation, business and local government leaders, including Australian Airports Association Chief Executive Officer Simon Westaway, Port Macquarie Hastings
General Manager Robert Fish, Coffs Harbour Airport CEO Craig Shaw, City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams, Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring and Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allen.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts did not attend.

Business NSW Regional Director for Mid North Coast, Rod Barnaby, said regional airports were far more than transport assets.

“Regional airports are critical economic infrastructure that support business growth, tourism, freight, emergency services, healthcare access and workforce mobility,” he said.

“Yet many regional airports are facing significant challenges, including ageing infrastructure, rising operating costs, workforce shortages, airline market concentration and uncertainty around future investment.

“Without action, regional communities risk losing connectivity that underpins economic growth, investment and livability.

“This paper provides a practical roadmap for governments and industry to work together to strengthen the aviation network that regional communities and businesses rely on every day.

The policy paper identifies growing pressure across the state’s network of more than 60 regional airports and aerodromes, which collectively support millions of passenger movements each year and provide vital connections between regional communities, Sydney, interstate markets and international destinations.

Business NSW is calling on the NSW and Commonwealth Governments to work with industry and local councils to implement eight key recommendations:

• Develop a 10-Year NSW Regional Aviation Strategy to guide planning, investment and coordination across the state’s aviation network.

• Establish a dedicated NSW Regional Aviation Infrastructure Fund to provide long-term investment certainty for airport upgrades and modernisation.

• Secure reliable and affordable air services through stronger route continuity measures, improved slot access and increased competition.

• Position Western Sydney International Airport as a genuine regional gateway with guaranteed regional access and strong transport connections.

• Build a skilled regional aviation workforce through targeted training pathways, partnerships and workforce development initiatives.

• Accelerate the transition to clean aviation by supporting sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen and electric aircraft infrastructure.

• Improve data transparency and accountability through a Regional Aviation Performance Dashboard.

• Encourage public-private partnerships and airport precinct development to unlock investment, create jobs and diversify airport revenue streams.

Australian Airports Association Chief Executive Officer Simon Westaway welcomed the focus on long- term planning and investment.

“Regional airports play an essential role in connecting communities, supporting local economies and enabling critical services. Ensuring these assets remain sustainable and future-ready is vital for regional Australia,” Mr. Westaway said.

The paper also highlights the strategic opportunity presented by Western Sydney International Airport and argues that regional access must be embedded into its operating model from day one to ensure regional NSW businesses can benefit from improved domestic and international connectivity.