MAJOR upgrades to the Mount Gambier Airport have been given the green light with a $3.5m Federal Government contribution.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin has welcomed the windfall as a major coup.
He said the Coalition Government’s contribution to the Grant District Council-owned $9.2m project, announced under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund infrastructure projects stream, would help unlock the region’s potential and create a jobs bonanza for the community.
The redevelopment will see the runway lengthened by an additional 120 metres, new airfield ground lighting and terminal upgrades.
The construction of a new heavy aircraft apron will see larger and heavier planes able to land, resulting in increased passenger, freight and larger charter capacity.
Mr Pasin said the project would create seven jobs during construction and more than 90 ongoing jobs.
“This is a fantastic news for Mount Gambier and the entire Limestone Coast region of South Australia,” he said.
“The multi-million 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.”
Regional Development, Territories and Local Government Minister John McVeigh said the project would deliver significant economic and social benefits to the community.
Mr McVeigh, who is in Mount Gambier today to officially announce the funding, said the funding contribution was in line with the Coalition Government’s plan to boost jobs and economic growth within the regions.
“Under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund infrastructure projects stream, the Coalition Government is investing well over $200m in 136 projects with a total project value of $459m,” he said.
“A further $200m was announced in the 2018 budget for a third round of the Building Better Regions Fund – a clear indication of the Coalition Government’s commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.”
Last week, assistant minister to the deputy prime minister Keith Pitt visited Mount Gambier to discuss the federal funding bid with stakeholders, saying the airport application was “very strong”.
The federal contribution, which is more than one-third of the total project cost, will see the State Government contribute $4m, while Grant District Council has earmarked $1.1m.
Last year, Mount Gambier City Council resolved to commit $500,000 for the redevelopment if the revised application for federal funding was successful.
Independent Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell said the funding would provide a raft of benefits for the electorate and wider Limestone Coast.
“Anything that creates jobs for our community is a positive step forward,” he said.
“This hopefully is the first step in increased competition for air services.
“It is a great announcement for our region and it complements the $4m the State Government is putting in.
“I am glad the state and federal governments are working together to fund important infrastructure in the South East.”
Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast chair Peter Gandolfi welcomed the announcement, saying the funding and airport redevelopment would assist in creating and expanding market opportunities in the future.
