Tenders called for in $9.2 million Mount Gambier Airport overhaul
A $9.2 million revamp of Mt Gambier Airport now has a completion date, and work is due to begin soon on its new terminal.
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A $9.2 million overhaul of Mount Gambier Airport is expected to be complete by the end of next year, as the local council has called for tenders to build the project’s major component — its new terminal.
Grant Council acting chief executive Jane Fetherstonhaugh hoped work on the new building would begin in the second half of this year, accounting for about $4-5 million of the project’s overall price tag.
An extension to the runway is due to start within the next two months, Mrs Fetherstonhaugh said, adding to work on a new heavy aircraft apron and an upgrade of airfield lighting.
It’s hoped the works will bring a steady flow of extra tourists to the state’s South-East.
“It will act as a catalyst to unlock the potential on the Limestone Coast,” Mrs Fetherstonhaugh said.
“There’s a lot of unspoilt natural places near Mount Gambier — numerous sinkholes and beautiful coast that’s relatively untouched.
“It’s opening it up so we can show off more of our beautiful region to visitors.”
Visitor numbers to the region have already been boosted by Rex’s new $129 community flights between Mount Gambier, Melbourne and Adelaide, introduced during September.
The Federal Government is contributing $3.5 million towards the upgrade, and the State Government is pitching in $4 million.
Grant Council, which owns the airport, will pay $1.2 million and the neighbouring Mount Gambier will contribute $500,000.
Mrs Fetherstonhaugh said the current 30-year-old terminal was “just about past its use-by date” and the council expected the overhaul to make the landmark “a destination”.
“It’s more than a place to arrive at — it’s also a place where you can have meetings and get a meal,” she said.
About 80 people will work on the project during construction and it will create up to 136 direct and indirect jobs once complete, mostly in tourism.
It is also expected to boost agriculture and allow more freight opportunities for “high-value, short shelf-life produce”.
Economic modelling shows the new airport will boost the local economy by at least $36.5 million over 25 years.
The council has incorporated space for future security screening requirements, which in the short term will be used for events and commercial ventures.
michelle.etheridge@news.com.au