New facilities at the Illawarra Regional Airport are nearing completion after works on the site ceased last year when asbestos was discovered during excavation.

The cadets had been eagerly waiting to move into the new purpose-built cadet facility since talk began more than eight years ago.

Unit 338’s commanding officer Adrian Miller said the new site was crucial for the growth of the cadet program, which gave kids of the region a chance to engage in positive activities.

“Kids have got to have something to do, and those that go through the cadet system come out better than when they come in,” he said. 

“It is the only defence supported youth program in Shellharbour City and that’s why this site is so important because we now have the capacity for up to 80.

“We haven’t had a proper site since we started and this is a major part of the cadet discipline and for stability. 

“We have equipment all over Shellharbour and soon it will all be in one place.

“We are working with HARS and NSW Air so the cadets don’t have to travel to Bathurst for their air activities and we are planning on having cadet units from Sydney down here to promote the Shellharbour area.”

The site is owned by the council and leased to the Australian Defence Force Cadets at a nominal annual rental of $100 for 10 years. 

 Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said she was pleased about the “practical outcome to this situation” for the local air cadets.

 “They have been very patient during this time and I look forward to seeing the centre open and operational,” Cr Saliba said.

The development includes a parade ground, three classrooms, storage facilities, kitchen, showers, common room and car park.

Mr Miller said an official opening will be held when the site is ready and they hoped to hold a recruitment drive sometime in the near future.