Bairnsdale Airport in Victoria last week won Small Regional Aerodrome of the Year at the 2025 Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards.
The East Gippsland airport won the category for regional airports with no regular public transport links for its upgrades focused on emergency services.
The project delivered a dedicated Air Ambulance Patient Transfer Facility, a modernised fuel facility and enhanced perimeter security fencing," the AAA award citation reads.
"These upgrades significantly strengthen aeromedical capabilities and reduce security risks, ensuring safe and reliable access for emergency and general aviation users.
"The works were delivered through a combination of external funding and council investment, reflecting innovative planning and strong stakeholder engagement."
Under the Regional Airports Program, the Federal Government has pumped $1.7 million into Bairnsdale Airport to construct a patient transfer station and dedicated taxiway and apron for medevac aircraft, and upgrade water services.
Bairnsdale served as a major logistics and service hub for emergency services during the 2019-20 bushfires, recording around 100 movements per day by heavy firefighting helicopters and fixed-wing assets.
A subsequent review found that the infrastructure of the time came under "immense pressure", with down-wash from large helicopters producing a hazard to smaller aircraft.
In other awards, Tennant Creek won Small Regional Airport (RPT) of the Year, Karratha won Large Regional Airport of the Year and Cairns won Major Airport (non-capital) of the Year.
Parafield Airport won Metro Airport of the Year.