Mr Turnbull is bringing his “jobs, growth and infrastructure” election platform story to the Bega Valley on Monday, where he’ll join with Mr Baird in announcing investments to substantially increase tourism potential from interstate and overseas.

First port of call is Merimbula Airport where it is expected they’ll announce a joint-funded $5.6 million upgrade, with the federal government contributing $1.2 million and NSW government $4.4 million.

The $1.2 million figure is likely the result of a successful application for federal funding in round two of the National Stronger Regions Fund reported in February and needs to be matched by council.

This will mean a longer runway that will make the airport compliant for larger aircraft plus upgrades to the terminal and baggage handling to suit.

Merimbula Airport is currently able to accommodate Saab340 aircraft with 34 passengers. The upgrades will be suitable for Virgin's ATR 72 and Qantas Link Q400 aircraft, which carry around 72 passengers each.

However, larger aircraft into Merimbula is dependent on an operator other than REX taking on the route, something that has only been a pipedream up until now.

REX airlines operates regular services between both Melbourne and Sydney, while Free Spirit Airlines has recently come on board with flights to Melbourne.

The Merimbula Airport sees around 50,000 passengers a year – 35,000 on the regulated route to and from Sydney, and 17,000 to and from Melbourne (non regulated).

Fairfax Media understands Qantas doesn't tend to enter a market until there are at least 100,000 passengers a year, so the onus will be on the council to campaign widely for increased interest.

The Liberal Parties of both federal and state variety are spruiking the potential for increased travel from interstate and Sydney, and linking with new international capacity in Canberra.

“The Merimbula Airport is the number one economic development priority of the Bega Valley Shire and complements the previously announced $10million from the federal government for the Port of Eden redevelopment,” Member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy said.

On that note, it’s also understood the Port of Eden is on Monday’s itinerary for Mr Turnbull and Mr Baird.

The federal government has already committed $10 million to the extension of the breakwater wharf, while the state government is on the hook for $3 million and council $2 million.

However, an announcement is expected today of a total of $44 million towards the redevelopment project.

This includes an expected additional $29 million from the state government on top of that already announced.

The extension to the wharf will enable longer vessels to berth alongside, rather than dropping anchor further out and ferrying in passengers as currently occurs.

Combined with the new international status for Canberra Airport, this significant investment promise from the Liberal Parties promises to open up the region to a host of national and international tourism and freight opportunities.

It is certainly food for thought for voters looking ahead to the July 2 federal election.