Shellharbour Airport is one step closer to its new passenger terminal, with the completion of the concrete slab this week.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward broke ground on the terminal earlier this year, and will be on hand to see the completion of the slab.

The new terminal will have provisions for retail and cafe space, and capacity for 200 passengers.

The terminal and car parks represent a $7.8 million investment into the airport upgrade project.

It is expected to be completed in December this year, with an official opening early 2021.

Also due for completion in the next few weeks are upgrades to Runway 08 (western end of eastwest runway), the installation of lighting at the long term carpark, and the placing of pavement base for taxiways.

The $20 million airport project is part of a business plan strategically developed by Shellharbour City Council to enable the airport to grow and foster opportunities for economic development and jobs growth. The development of an aviation business park is central to the plan.

Early last year, Shellharbour City Council received $15.97 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Growing Local Economies Fund, as part of the Regional Growth Fund, for additions and upgrades to the airport.

Shellharbour City Mayor Marianne Saliba said providing excellent facilities that the travelling public expect was of great importance to the future of the region.

“This new terminal has been designed to provide the comfort and high quality facilities that commercial airline passengers need and expect,” Cr Saliba said.

“This project is going to benefit the entire region, including Shellharbour City residents and the wider Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands communities.

“We have a wonderful, reliable commercial service provider in Fly Corporate, which links our airport to Melbourne (via Essendon) and Brisbane.

“This boosts our local economy with increased visitors numbers, as well as offering local residents the convenience of not having to travel to Sydney for air services,” Cr Saliba said.

Cr Saliba once again thanked the NSW State Government and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward for their support in funding the project.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.