Alex de Vos
Federal Government has knocked back Avalon Airport’s $30 million plan for international flights.
Airport operator Linfox had planned to start building a new terminal next month.
Airport general manager Tim Anderson said the proposal lost on planning grounds.
Mr Anderson told ABC radio the decision had “upset” him but the airport was still optimistic about eventually building the terminal.
“We’re very disappointed,” he said.
“We’ll continue to work on the project and hopefully see it come to fruition later this year.”
Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles expected the airport to overcome the knock-back.
“This is being interpreted as much more of a final step than what it is,” Mr Marles said.
“A number of issues need to be dealt with and we’re working with Linfox to deal with them. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Geelong and we’re busily working to get it up and running in the future.”