Mt Gambier will get a long-awaited upgrade after receiving $3.5m from the Commonwealth towards its $9.2m plan
THE Mt Gambier Airport will get a long-awaited $9.2 million upgrade to capitalise on the region’s growing tourism sector, after receiving Federal Government funding.
THE Mt Gambier Airport will get a long-awaited $9.2 million upgrade to capitalise on the region’s growing tourism sector, after receiving Federal Government funding.
The Commonwealth today tipped in the remaining $3.5 million needed to expand the airport runway, refurbish the terminal, replace lighting and build a new heavy apron.
The council-owned and operated airport has pushed for an upgrade for the past three years, with some of the infrastructure relied upon for key services, dating back to the 1950s.
Grant District Mayor Richard Sage told The Advertiser he anticipated works to begin in the coming months and the finished project had the potential to create 90 ongoing jobs.
“The opportunities from this upgrade are endless,” Mr Sage said.
“The new terminal build will make the gateway to the Limestone Coast more welcoming.
“It’s better for Rex Airlines (the airport’s sole carrier) as well the opportunity for the possible connectivity between us with Sydney and Brisbane, at some stage in the future.”
The South East hosts 550,000 visitors each year, according to SA Tourism figures, with regular jets flying into the airport from the US, Hong Kong and China.
The new heavy apron will allow the airport to cater for Fokker 100s and will increase the number of aircraft using the airport at any one time.
The ability to cater for larger aircraft was also expected to benefit the region’s export industries, such as forestry, wine, rock lobster and agriculture.
Mr Sage said the upgrade provided tourism operators with an opportunity to increase visitors to the region and provide flow-on benefits to the wider community.
“We need to get the region to focus on what we can do now to attract more people and what our offerings could be to set up an escape to the Limestone Coast,” he said.
Airport general manager Ian Fritsch previously told The Advertiser the increase in tourism to the area was their biggest target in undertaking the upgrade.
Community leaders had previously touted the upgrade as one of the South East’s most important infrastructure projects, in the hope it would bring more carriers.
Currently, the airport’s sole operator is Rex Airlines, which has daily flights from Melbourne and Adelaide, but in May controversially cut five-return services to Adelaide.
Rex Airlines has previously said “irresponsible” and “grandiose” spending by state and federal governments on excessive airport upgrades would drive up ticket prices.
Regional Development Minister John McVeigh and Member for Barker Tony Pasin were in Mt Gambier yesterday to announce the funding under the Building Better Regions Fund.
“The multimillion-dollar airport upgrade will have significant flow-on benefits across the region including increased tourism visitor numbers, more competitive airfares and better scheduling of air services,” Mr Pasin said.
“Importantly, the project will create employment including seven jobs during construction and more than 90 ongoing jobs — which will have a significant impact on the Mt Gambier economy.”
The project was one of 136 to share in more than $200 million, under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund.
The State Government committed $4 million to the airport upgrade, while Mt Gambier Council pledged $500,000, and Grant District Council has set aside $1.15 million.
