Ms King’s backing comes a day after it was revealed Victoria would be able to have night time firebombers from next summer after a successful trial which ran from the Ballarat aviation hub in February.  

The City of Ballarat is lobbying both State and Federal Governments for up to $50 million which would enable construction of new facilities and access roads.

Ms King said the success of the trial proved the region was capable of becoming a hub for emergency response.

“Anything that promises to improve the safety of the Ballarat region has my support,” Ms King said. 

“Locating an emergency services hub in Ballarat will protect not only our immediate region, but put these aerial appliances in a strong position to respond to events across western and central Victoria.

“Ballarat’s strengths have been shown through this trial and I hope to see it continue on a more permanent basis.”

Wendouree MP Sharon Knight said Emergency Management Victoria would continue to talk to Ballarat Council about the feasibility of establishing such a service at the airport.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack said while funding for regional airports was often the responsibility of the State Government, local government or private owners, there were a range of options which could be used to support regional airports.

“The Australian Government recognises the important role regional aviation plays in servicing the needs of regional and remote communities,” he said.