$15.97 Million Boost For Illawarra Regional Airport

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today announced $15.97 million in NSW Government funding for Illawarra Regional Airport in Albion Park Rail under the New South Wales Government’s Growing Local Economies Fund, which will create local jobs and grow our local economy by bringing more investment into our region.

Mr Ward said that he was extremely pleased to make this major funding announcement today during his visit to Illawarra Regional Airport in Albion Park Rail.

“This major upgrade to Illawarra Regional Airport will include airport related infrastructure including a new terminal building,” he said.

“Works will include the provision of a permanent terminal building; works to taxiways and apron adjacent to the terminal; car parking; security enhancements (fencing); an Aviation Economic Development Park including access roadways, taxiways and services; and improvements and upgrades to runways.

“This is yet another example of the NSW Government investing in our critical infrastructure here in the Illawarra and I will continue to fight for more,” Mr Ward said.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro MP said that this project is one of seven new projects that will receive Growing Local Economies Fund grants this month, to kick-start or reignite regional NSW economies.

“I look forward to seeing how this funding will bring benefits for local contractors in the short term and the growth it will provide businesses in the region in the long-term,” Mr Barilaro said.

“In the 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW we clearly said we would direct investment into infrastructure to support key industries for regional communities like the Illawarra and Albion Park Rail.

“It is initiatives like this under the $500 million Growing Local Economies Fund, along with once-in-a-lifetime investment of more than $4 billion through the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund and around $9.5 billion committed or reserved for projects in regional NSW under the Restart NSW fund that show the NSW Government is making regional NSW a great place to work, play and thrive.”

The $500 million Growing Local Economies Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund, which delivers essential infrastructure to spur job creation, improve connectivity and support community amenity, engagement and culture.

The Growing Local Economies Fund was established under the NSW Government’s Restart NSW fund to improve economic growth and productivity in NSW.

For more information, please visit the website at: www.nsw.gov.au/regionalgrowth.