Shellharbour Airport has marked a milestone in its $20M upgrade project, with the completion of works to resurface the main runway. The completion of the runway works coincides with the resumption of services to Melbourne and Brisbane by Fly Corporate.

Shellharbour City Mayor Marianne Saliba said the completion of the resurfacing work marked a significant milestone in the Shellharbour Airport upgrade project. Shellharbour City Council began resurfacing 1.8 kilometres of the main runway in late April.

“It’s excellent to see this project taking shape and progressing so quickly. Resurfacing the main runway is one important way to ensure the airport operates safely and this is a vital part of the future of the airport and our community,” Cr Saliba said.

“I’m pleased that Council took the opportunity to complete the project more quickly than anticipated, due to decreased activity at the airport caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reduced aircraft movements meant construction could be done during the day, instead of being limited to night works,” she said.

Cr Saliba also said that the resurfacing project also created much-needed jobs for local people during the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

“Cleary Bros was the principal contractor, which in turn utilised Roadworx Surfacing for a large portion of this part of the project. Both contractors are local to the Illawarra region. The project provided work for approximately 35 people at the peak of construction, not including Council staff.”

To upgrade the 1.8 kilometre by 30-metre wide main runway, approximately 6500 tonnes of asphalt was used.

“This project is going to benefit the entire region, including Shellharbour City residents and the wider Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands communities,” Cr Saliba said.

“Also key to the entire airport redevelopment project are the passenger terminal and of course the aviation business park. There is great potential for growth in this area and I look forward to welcoming new aviation businesses to our airport,” she said.

Cr Saliba once again thanked the NSW State Government and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward for their support in funding the project.

“The NSW Government’s approval of this application demonstrates its support for Council’s plans and it is great to see the project moving along,” she said.

Shellharbour City Council last year received $15.97 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Growing Local Economies Fund, as part of the Regional Growth Fund, for additions and upgrades to the airport.

The $20 million airport redevelopment project is part of a business plan strategically developed by Shellharbour City Council to enable the airport to grow and foster opportunities for economic development and jobs growth.

In addition to the upgrade of the 1.8 km of main runway, approximately 6000m2 of taxiway has been upgraded since February this year, including work to the adjacent aprons. Work on the new passenger terminal building began in March with the concrete slab for the building is scheduled to be poured later this month.

The overall airport project also includes upgrades to short and long-term carparks. The development of an aviation business park is central to the airport plan. The Shellharbour Airport upgrade project is due for completion in August next year.

Media queries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008