Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said said the taxiway had been recommended by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and that this funding brings the Federal Government's recent investment in the airport to $4.7 million.

"Port Macquarie Airport will receive a second major upgrade in less than a year due to a new major investment of $3,538,260," he said.

"A new taxiway parallel to the runway will be built and the apron and existing taxiways for all operators will be resurfaced.

"Our government's $41.2 million Regional Airports Program helps to support the regional aviation services regional people rely on and I thank Deputy Prime Minister for allocating this major amount to Port Macquarie."

Read more: Airport business park plan a delicate balance amid koala concerns

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Regional Airports Program would assist the owners of regional airports to undertake essential works, promoting aviation safety and access for regional Australians.

"For our regional communities, the local airport is an essential link to the rest of Australia," Mr McCormack said.

"The government is investing in regional airports because we know this infrastructure is key to securing our regional aviation network now and into the post-COVID future.

"We are investing $100 million over four years from 2019-20 to 2022-23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver safer runways, taxiways and other safety upgrades such as new fencing and safety equipment."

This funding is in addition to the Federal government's total package of support for Australia's aviation industry of more than $1.2 billion.

This funding for a major upgrade to the airport runway follows the significant $10.175m terminal building upgrade completed in November last year.

The terminal upgrade of an expanded departure lounge, café, updated passenger-screening area and baggage claim carousel was jointly-funded by the NSW Government under the Restart NSW Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, the Australian Government from the Community Development Grants Programme and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.