Date

Monday, 2 March 2020

Release

Major upgrades and additions to Shellharbour Airport are officially underway, with Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward breaking ground on the project this week. 

The works include a new passenger terminal building and upgrades to short and long-term carparks. The development of an aviation business park is central to the plan.

Construction of the passenger terminal is underway with works to the airfield pavements planned to commence early in the 2020/2021 financial year. 

The airport 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.

Early last year, Shellharbour City Council 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.

Shellharbour City Mayor Marianne Saliba said the importance of the upgrades extended beyond the needs generated by regular passenger transport.

“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.

“It’s wonderful that we have a reliable commercial service provider in Fly Corporate, which links our airport to Melbourne (via Essendon) and Brisbane. This boosts our local economy with increased visitors numbers, as well as offering local residents the convenience of not having to travel to Sydney for air services,” Cr Saliba said.

“Providing world-class facilities that the travelling public expect is of great importance to the future of our region,” Cr Saliba said.

“Also key to the airport project are upgrades to the runway itself, 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,” she said.

Fly Corporate Sales Manager Geoff Woodham said the organisation was delighted with the progression of the new passenger terminal at Shellharbour Airport.

“As the only scheduled airline operating from Shellharbour Airport to both Melbourne and Brisbane, it is extremely important to ensure our customer comfort and experience is second to none,” Mr Woodham said.

“Fly Corporate continues to support the wider community of the Illawarra and congratulates Shellharbour City Council for the ongoing commitment,” he said.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.

Last updated : Mon 2 Mar 2020