The latest milestone in the $20 million upgrade of Shellharbour Airport - works to resurface the main runway - required about 6500 tonnes of asphalt to complete.
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On Monday, Jeff Boyd, manager of airline services at Fly Corporate laughed when the Mercury remarked that that you could smell the fresh bitumen.
"It looks incredible," he said. "It's a good outcome."
Shellharbour 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 1.8km of the main runway in late April.
Cr Saliba said during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, council had been able to bring forward some of its capital works projects.
"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."
The completion of the runway works coincides with last week's resumption, albeit on a reduced schedule, of services to Melbourne and Brisbane by Fly Corporate.
Cleary Bros was the principal contractor for the project.
Council last year received $15.97 million in funding from the NSW Government for additions and upgrades to the airport.
In addition to the upgrade of the 1.8km of main runway, approximately 6000sqm of taxiway has been upgraded since February.
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 airport upgrade project is due for completion in August next year.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
