The Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley welcome today’s announcement by the New South Wales Regional Development Minister, Ian Macdonald, to invest $2 million to upgrade Scone’s airport.

“This investment will improve services and capacity at Scone airport which in turn will attract more people to our region, boost tourism, jobs and economic growth” John Messara AM said.

The Scone airport was built in 1958. With the New South Wales Government’s assistance and the support of the Upper Hunter Shire Council much needed improvements to the runway and the construction of an additional taxiway can now proceed.

The Hunter is a nationally and internationally recognised Thorougbred Breeding Centre of Excellence. It is also a thriving regional centre and tourism destination. The announcement of the Scone Airport Upgrade during Scone’s Horse Festival will help stimulate regional growth and employment, including supporting 54 direct jobs over the next five years, and boost regional tourism.

Scone is nationally and internationally recognised as Australia’s Horse Capital. The Hunter Valley is also one of three international Thoroughbred Breeding Centres of Excellence, alongside Kentucky in the US and Newmarket in the UK.

The Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley produce around half of all Thoroughbreds born in Australia annually and produce 70 per cent in volume, and between 80 to 90 per cent in value, of Australia’s Thoroughbred exports.

The upgrade to the Scone Airport will provide valued services for our community and boost our status and attractiveness as a domestic and international tourism and business destination” Mr Messara said.
‘Everyone will benefit from this investment - our industry, our community, our local and state economies.”

“I congratulate Minister Macdonald and the Upper Hunter Shire Council for working with the Thoroughbred Breeding Industry to secure this important investment for our region and our future” John Messara said.

Permalink| May 14, 2010

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