The municipality of Bendigo, a city located approximately 150 kilometres north-west of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, has courted regional Australian carriers over their proposed use of the upgraded airfield for commercial operations.

The Bendigo Observer reports local councillors are in talks with five carriers, including Rex - Regional Express (ZL, Wagga Wagga) and Qantaslink, as works progress on the construction of a lengthened 1,600m-long Class 3C runway, taxiways and apron capable of handling 70-seater passenger aircraft.

The redevelopment is being delivered over three stages. Stage One was completed in 2014 and included twenty-five new aviation hangar sites, three new taxiways, improved road access and the installation of critical drainage infrastructure. Stage Two are the aforementioned runway upgrade works which are slated for completion by March 2017. Stage Three will focus on the construction of a contemporary commercial park to allow existing businesses to expand and new ones to be established.

With a population of over 100,000, Bendigo's economy is grounded primarily in the services sector with tourism, commerce, education and manufacturing and engineering being the largest employers.