The latest milestone in the $20 million upgrade of Shellharbour Airport was celebrated on Wednesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The airport is a step closer to its new passenger terminal, following the completion of the concrete slab.
The new terminal will have provisions for retail and cafe space, and capacity for 200 passengers.
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba and Kiama MP Gareth Ward broke ground on the terminal earlier this year.
They were present to see the completion of the slab on Wednesday.
The terminal and car parks represent a $7.8 million investment into the airport upgrade project.
It is expected to be completed in December this year, with an official opening in early 2021.
According to council, also due for completion in the next few weeks are upgrades to Runway 08 (western end of east-west runway), the installation of lighting at the long-term carpark, and the placing of pavement base for taxiways.
The $20 million airport project is part of a business plan developed by Shellharbour City Council.
The development of an aviation business park is central to the plan.
Early last year, the council received $15.97 million in funding from the NSW Government for additions and upgrades to the airport.
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said the new terminal has been designed to provide the comfort and high-quality facilities that commercial airline passengers need and expect.
In 2013, fire destroyed the then Illawarra Regional Airport's terminal building, home of The Aviator Lounge Cafe and Restaurant.
"This is really the replacement of that, which we committed to at that time," Cr Saliba said.
"It's important because having regular passenger transport services are important to us, it connects us with other regions in Australia, and we're continually hopeful that we will expand those services into the future as our population grows and there's a greater demand for them."
On Wednesday, Mr Ward said the $20 million airport project will charge economic development in the region and will continue the all-important jobs growth that is needed.
"More than ever before, investments like this upgrade generate local jobs but improve regional travel to and from our region for many years to come," he said.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.