Shellharbour City Council is delighted with the announcement of $15.97 million funding from the NSW Government’s Growing Local Economies program, as part of the Regional Growth Fund, for additions and upgrades to Illawarra Regional Airport at Albion Park Rail.
The substantial grant will fund the development including the construction of a new passenger terminal building, aviation business park and upgrades to short and long-term carparks.
The 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.
Application for the grant was made possible after the Council’s regional status was restored in May last year.
Consistent with the existing Illawarra Regional Airport business plan, a package of airport improvements was developed and a funding application was made under the Growing Local Economies program, as part of the Regional Growth Fund.
It is believed to be one of the most substantial funding packages of its type in NSW and is expected to cover the cost of the majority of the project.
Shellharbour City Mayor Marianne Saliba said she was thrilled with the funding announcement, describing it as an excellent outcome for Shellharbour City residents and the wider Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands communities.
“I thank the NSW State Government and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward for their support in funding this important project,” Cr Saliba said.
“Providing world-class facilities that the travelling public expect is of great importance to the future of our region. The NSW Government approval of this application demonstrates its support for Council’s plans,” she said.
“These improvements are important to the airport and extend beyond the needs generated by regular passenger transport.
“The development of an aviation economic development park is a central part of the plan and will provide up to 13 additional aviation-related industries spread over a leasable area of 61,450 square metres.
“There has been a rapid uptake of industrial opportunities and these additions and improvements will be very attractive to businesses,” Cr Saliba said.
The successful funding application comes just two months after regional airline Fly Corporate started services to Melbourne and Brisbane from Illawarra Regional Airport.
Fly Corporate Sales Manager Geoff Woodham said that the company was delighted with the uptake and the support from the local community and the business sector.
“Our expectations have certainly been meet and we thank the community for its growing support. We look forward to our continued partnership with Shellharbour City Council to make this service a success for many years to come,” Mr Woodham said.
COSTINGS - SUMMARY
Associated works to be undertaken by Shellharbour City Council comprise:
All of this work has concept designs completed with detailed design to be completed first half of 2019/20.
Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.
