Construction started on a new 20,000 metre squared aviation business park at Albion Park Rail on Thursday that is expected to bring 13 additional aviation-related industries to Shellharbour Airport and create many new jobs .
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Shellharbour mayor Marianne Saliba said a variety of aviation businesses will help improve the economic potential of the airport and the park was one of the key elements of council's $20.35 million Shellharbour Airport upgrade project to foster more economic investment in the city.
After being awarded the contract for the $2.6 million aviation park construction Western Earthmoving is expecting the work to take six months.
Shellharbour City Council contributed $4.35 million into the overall airport upgrade project that is expected to take two years.
Cr Saliba said $15.97 million came from the NSW Government's Growing Local Economies Fund.
She said the latest investment in the aviation park follows the completion of a new passenger terminal, runway works and better lighting and upgrades to short and long-term parking. Additional runway lighting is also part of the plan.
Cr Saliba said the business park was being developed according to demand, with hangars either built by the council and leased out, or built by businesses on council's land through public-private partnerships.
She said it is difficult to say how many jobs will be created because the aviation park is expected to attract businesses of all sizes.
"Job numbers are unknown at this stage because it all depends on what businesses come and what kind of industry they offer," she said.
Interested companies could be freight carriers, packaging companies or jet engine servicing and maintenance operations. Cr Saliba said it could even attract a global Amazon style company if they want a large warehouse and distribution centre next to an airport.
She said she has already been approached by an airplane repair and engineering business wanting to come to the Shellharbour Airport.
She said council had an open mind to what kind of businesses could establish a presence in the new aviation park and how large their hangers or buildings might be.
"First we want to make sure the services are provided to that area," she said.
"The development of an aviation economic development park is a central part of the Shellharbour Airport upgrade project and will provide up to 13 additional aviation-related industries," she said.
"There has been a rapid uptake of industrial opportunities and these additions and improvements will be very attractive to businesses.
"There is great potential for growth in this area and I look forward to welcoming new aviation businesses to our airport."
Cr Saliba said that the importance of the airport upgrade project extended beyond the needs generated by regular passenger transport provided by commercial service providers Link Airways and would benefit the entire region.
Peter Poulos, MLC, helped the Shellharbour Mayor turn the first sod and said the airport project reinforced the NSW Government's commitment to the region.
"By working together, we will deliver more jobs, investment and prosperity for the local community," he said.
Cr Saliba said the aviation park will compliment employment lands near Shellharbour Marina that could attract everything from marine based enterprises to technology companies.
She said the council does not want to limit what the use of either site might be.
"For us it is about creating employment lands and providing the opportunity for jobs for the people of our city," she said.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
