A multimillion-dollar upgrade of Mount Gambier Regional Airport was officially opened on Friday 23 April.
The $9.2 million project to revamp the airport included an extension of 120m to the main runway to service larger aircraft, a brand new heavy aircraft apron, a full electrical upgrade for entire airport, two main departure lounges, departure ramps and access airside.
Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, said the Mount Gambier Regional Airport is not only a state of the air transport terminal, it acts as an entry statement for the whole region offering visitors both their first and last impressions.
“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.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government’s $3,510,000 investment in community infrastructure would provide long term benefits to the Mount Gambier region.
“In addition to improving regional air freight capacity, this investment will also create opportunities for local producers to access multiple new markets,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“By supporting 24 jobs in construction and creating an expected 24 ongoing jobs after completion, in addition to using local businesses and supplies, this project will help bring economic prosperity to Mount Gambier for many years to come.”
The District Council of Grant are the proud owners and operators of the Mount Gambier Regional Airport.
Mayor of District Council of Grant, Richard Sage said the District Council of Grant were indeed honored and grateful for the funding partnerships between the State & Federal Governments along with the City of Mount Gambier.
“We are so proud to say we achieved the $9.2 million project upgrade on time and on budget.”
“The reason for the upgrade was to future proof our Airport for the second largest city in South Australia. It was part of our Vision and Council’s Strategic Plan that it had for the development of the Airport. To achieve this we needed to have both State & Federal Governments assistance along with the City of Mount Gambier.”
“With this project we have achieved for the passengers and visitors to the region, a sense of arrival.”
“The airport terminal is another gateway to our region, it has the ambience of a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ready for you to explore the Limestone Coast and all it has to offer.”
This project received $3,510,000 in funding from the Australian Government under the Building Better Regions Fund program. South Australian Government ($4,036,000), District Council of Grant via Passenger Movement Levy ($1,154,000) and City of Mount Gambier ($500,000).
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