Shellharbour Airport Works Begin

Work is officially underway to upgrade Shellharbour Airport, with Member for Kiama Gareth Ward to turn the first sod on site today.

“Today marks the start of major upgrade works at Shellharbour Airport that will improve airside and terminal infrastructure and unlock new land for aviation-related businesses,” Mr Ward said.

“This is a terrific milestone for the project that will help attract regular passenger services to the Illawarra and provide additional opportunities for businesses to operate adjacent to the airport.

“This will give local residents more transport options while also supporting local businesses, keeping more jobs in the Illawarra and driving economic growth in the region.”

Work includes runway and lighting upgrades to accommodate larger aircraft, new taxiways and aprons adjacent to a new permanent terminal building, and improved parking options.

The works will introduce infrastructure to support a new Aviation Economic Development Park, including roadways, stormwater, sewerage, internal water reticulation and bulk earthworks.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government have committed $16 million as part of the Growing Local Economies Fund, established under Restart NSW, with the project being delivered by Shellharbour City Council who have contributed more than $4.3 million.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba thanked the NSW Government and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward for their support for the Council’s strategic business plan for the airport.

“These upgrades are important to the airport and extend beyond the needs generated by regular passenger transport,” Cr Saliba said.

“Consistent with the existing Shellharbour Airport business plan, a package of airport improvements was developed to grow local jobs, support tourism and contribute to the local economy.

“Developing world-class facilities that the travelling public expect is of great importance to the future of our region.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the project demonstrated the NSW Government’s commitment to regional NSW.

“This project, and others like it, help to attract business investment, create new jobs and make regional NSW an even more attractive place to live, work and do business,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I congratulate the Council on delivering this important project and look forward to seeing it take shape.”