KERANG has been put on the aviation map after the towns aerodrome upgrade was officially opened on Monday. The Napthine Government contributed $626,000 towards the $776,000 upgrade of the aviation hub, while Gannawarra Shire Council contributed $150,000. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes unveiled a plaque during a ceremony, attended by close to 50 people. Key elements of the works include a full reseal of the 1067-metre runway, the re-sheeting of the 691-metre secondary runway, and the installation of Pilot Activated Airfield Lighting Control to meet current requirements. A new self-bunded aviation fuel tank with bowser and automatic payment system has been installed, as well as a back-up three-phase generator. The widening and levelling of taxiway shoulders, as well as new line markings, has brought the aerodrome in line with other major regional aerodromes. Aerodromes, like Kerangs, are essential pieces of infrastructure for country communities for economic growth, jobs, business development, emergency services, tourism and training opportunities, Ms Symes said. This upgrade has not only improved emergency service access but provided other users with significantly improved facilities. The upgrade opens up additional avenues to grow the local economy, create additional employment opportunities through tourism and business as well as aircraft training, recreational flying and air freight services. The governments contribution derived from the Regional Aviation Fund, developed in 2011 to upgrade many of the states airfields, including the Cohuna airstrip, which was upgraded in 2013. Cr Keith den Houting acknowledged the multi-government partnership to deliver a safer, more accessible and versatile aerodrome. By providing access to jet fuel, we have made the aerodrome a refuelling location for helicopters, including the emergency services. We have already seen the air ambulance and Victoria Police make use of this facility, he said. This upgrade will allow Kerang to become the regional transport hub and support growth and investment to the region, and we believe this upgrade will boost tourism opportunities. The Kerang Aerodrome, created in 1938, is the home of the MidMurray Flying Club. Member, Chris Ellis, who has been aviation since 1983, said this is the most significant upgrade in 32 years. The 2011 flood really stood out as the major reason for these upgrades, because we were basically an island and the only way out and in was by air, and that goes for emergency services, he said. Managed by the shire, the airfield is also used by Ambulance Victoria to transport patients to larger hospitals in Bendigo and Melbourne, with the upgrade providing the best available facilities for these pilots. Caption Text: MILE HIGH: Mid-Murray Flying Club president, Daryl Allen, left; Member for Northern Victoria, Jacyln Symes; Gannawarra Shire Council councillor Keith den Houting and pilots, Chris Ellis and Terry Ayres officially opened the Kerang Aerodrome upgrade.