Provided under the fourth round of the Regional Airports Program, the grants are aimed at delivering “essential upgrades” such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage, to improve safety, capacity, and accessibility.
Construction on the 3,200-square-metre facility, expandable up to 6,400 square metres depending on demand, is already underway at the WSI cargo precinct, and is tipped to be ready by late next year when the airport is expected to open.
As part of phase 1, 92 steel columns are being craned into place for the domestic terminal’s headhouse, which will include domestic arrivals and baggage areas, airline lounges, and operational management spaces, among other important components.
The airport has again rejected reporting by the Newcastle Herald that it is in financial trouble after an article claimed it had been forced to “go cap in hand” to Defence asking to have its rent excused, but was knocked back.
The Coalition says it will provide $14 million, and Labor $11.5 million, to complete upgrades backed by $14.6 million from the Federal Government if elected on 8 March. The funding will assist the airport in the state’s southwest to complete its $30 mi…