Following a recent meeting between Minister Allan and Avalon, the City of Greater Geelong, G21, the Committee for Geelong and Gordon Institute of TAFE, a submission has been made to the Victorian Government for Avalon to become the location for the State's Aviation Training Academy.

If successful, the State Government will establish at Avalon Airport a $40 million facility to provide training in aircraft maintenance for approximately 200 students within five years. The new facility would employ about 80 people and will include a hanger with a dedicated 737 on which the students can practice their skills.

Avalon is the main base for 747 maintenance in Victoria. The establishment of the Aviation Training Academy would further reinforce Avalon's reputation as a key location for aircraft maintenance and position it well for further growth in this area.

Avalon Airport represents a major opportunity for the economic growth of the Geelong region and Victoria. It is a vital component of a logistics precinct with direct access to road, rail and port facilities. It also provides a raft of secondary airport opportunities as well as being a major driver of regional tourism.

Avalon face a number of significant challenges and opportunities in 2010 and G21 is committed to support efforts to:

• Expand the airport apron at Avalon to facilitate additional flights and the continuation of the Australian International Airshow
• Establish the Aviation Training Academy at Avalon
• Expand the Qantas heavy maintenance and engineering facilities
• Increase flights to and from Avalon
• Secure competitive pricing for new control tower requirements.

All of these initiatives are progressing well with major announcements on several issues anticipated in the first quarter of this year.

Avalon welcomed the release of the Federal Government's National Aviation Policy White Paper in December 2009. It provides clarity on a number of planning, regulatory and investment issues critical to improving aviation services in the Geelong region.

Click here to view the National Aviation Policy White Paper (December 2009)

Click here for more information about Avalon Airport - a G21 Priority Project.