Multi-million-dollar Mount Gambier Regional Airport upgrade ready for take off
More than a decade in the making, the new-look $9.2 million Mount Gambier Regional Airport will be unveiled next week.
Mount Gambier
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A multimillion-dollar upgrade of Mount Gambier Regional Airport will open a month ahead of schedule following two years of construction and almost a decade in planning.
The $9.2 million project to revamp the airport and its more than 30-year-old terminal has been completed and will be unveiled to the public from Monday.
The major development included an extension of 120m to the main runway to service larger aircraft, a brand new heavy aircraft apron and a full electrical upgrade for entire airport from the previous 1950s system.
Stage two of the project, which began in October 2019, has recently been completed.
It included the construction of $6.2 million terminal upgrade including two main departure lounges, departure ramps and access airside.
Architect Ashley Halliday said the purpose of the bespoke and environmentally considered terminal – constructed Kennett Builders – was to connect travellers with the region.
“The Mount Gambier Regional Airport is not only a state of the air transport terminal, it acts as an ambassador for the whole region offering visitors both their first and last impressions,” Mr Halliday said.
“It was important to create a charismatic gateway that captured the unique essence of the Limestone Coast Region.
“The epic round skylight clad in charred timber and the forest of pine logs are something different, making people aware that they’ve arrived somewhere special.”
Project manager Carlin McNeil was pleased with the result and the role Kennett Builders played in the project.
“This terminal is a key piece of infrastructure for our community and despite the challenges of 2020, it’s great to reflect on what we’ve achieved as a building company in partnership with the District Council of Grant and Ashley Halliday,” Mr McNeil said.
“We hope the community is pleased with the result.”
Grant Council chief executive Darryl Whicker said it a collaborative approached assured the project on time and on budget.
“2020 has not been an easy year for anyone and throughout this project we have had to navigate the difficulties and complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Whicker said.
“Council and Kennett’s were able to bring forward the construction schedule, keep local contractors employed onsite and the project has therefore continued to move forward over the winter months.
“Council can now exclusively reveal that as a result of outstanding project management on the airside works there was a $640,000 saving which was reallocated to extend the footprint of the terminal providing more floor space and the ability to install access and inclusion friendly amenities for people with a lived experience of disability.”
Despite some initial struggles to secure funding, the Mount Gambier Regional Airport Upgrade was co-funded across three tiers of government.
Funding including $4.036 million from the state government, $3.51 million from the federal government, $1.154 million from Grant Council and a $500,000 funding agreement between the Grant Council and Mount Gambier Council.
Barker MP Tony Pasin said the upgrade was a big win for the region.
“The Morrison Government invested $3.5 million into this project via the Building Better Regions Fund to ensure this long awaited and important infrastructure project could take shape,” Mr Pasin said.
“This project has not only created important jobs in the midst of an economic crisis, but the redeveloped facilities make for a more positive visitor experience for those visiting our region.
“I congratulate the District Council of Grant on successfully undertaking this important infrastructure project which will serve the needs of our community long into the future.”
