Hunter had a goal of $1000 to raise for the Starlight Foundation and with the kind generosity of the Eden and surrounding communities she has raised nearly $3000 so far. We are very proud of her and amazed by her achievement at such a young age.

Thank you everyone. 

Julie Staight, Eden

According to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, federal Member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy has “been seeking federal government support for an upgrade for the airport”, notwithstanding the fact that there is absolutely no justification for an airport upgrade, in particular as it will give rise to significantly higher operating costs to be borne by residents/ratepayers.

Dr Hendy should read council’s master plan, which makes it clear that the only reason for extending the airport runway is to more “comfortably accommodate” Q400 aircraft; aircraft that would only be required to service the airport if its “high growth” forecast of annual passenger volumes of 250,000 were to arise – something that council’s plan doesn’t envisage happening before 2033.

In the meantime, Dr Hendy might wonder where the justification is for spending $1.2m of taxpayers’ funds on extending the existing runway and upgrading security and baggage handling facilities when there has actually been zero airport passenger growth at the airport since 2011. Dr Hendy might also care to ask council if it has received advice that Q400 aircraft are capable of using the airport without the need to extend the runway at all.

While council seems determined to pursue funds to waste on its discredited “build it and they’ll come” strategy for Merimbula Airport, it wrings its hands and complains about not having enough money to build and maintain local roads, provide basic facilities for existing residents and tourists, such as footpaths, adequate public toilets or providing much needed town car parking and ensuring that the shire’s sewage and water systems are maintained and upgraded to meet adequate standards.

John Richardson, Bega Valley Shire Residents and Ratepayers Association

With much of the Bega Valley Shire becoming increasingly reliant on revenue from tourism, Monday’s announced expansion of Merimbula airport and Eden port was a welcome surprise.

The upgrade to the airport will allow heavier aircraft to use the facility, which will cater for a much-needed increased capacity for passengers and cargo.

It also coincides with plans by Singapore Airlines flights to Canberra providing opportunity to then travel to Merimbula, which will likely bring thousands of tourists from Southeast Asia to our part of the coast. It gives visitors an opportunity to see Australia outside of our major cities.

The upgrades will also increase the area’s capacity to export fresh seafood to Asia, which has showed an insatiable demand for Australian produce.

Another outcome will likely be increased competition from other airlines looking to service the area, meaning lower airfares, which was shown recently with the arrival of Free Spirit Airlines flying the Melbourne – Merimbula route at a discount rate.

The potential to coordinate flights with cruise liners arriving in Eden is also a possibility.

All of this is real money in the pockets of locals with jobs to come with it. It also gives us the opportunity to increase the Bega Valley’s appeal as a year-round holiday destination, which is an exciting prospect for a local young business owner like myself.

Lastly, credit must go to council for facilitating the hard fought deal, and which will benefit our shire for years to come.

Mitchell Nadin, Merimbula