THE $9.2m Mount Gambier Regional Airport redevelopment has started to take flight with a number key components completed.
The commercial airfield’s ground lighting upgrade, runway extension and heavy aircraft apron are now in service.
This follows a successful flight test conducted by a Civil Aviation Safety Authority on the new apron and runway.
Council chief executive officer Darryl Whicker said Kennett Builders – awarded the contract for the terminal project – was now on site and had started stage one of the build.
He said this would result in the construction of the extension, with the concrete slab expected to be poured by Christmas.
“Customers will still have direct access to the airport and the departure and arrivals space along with the Aero Espresso Café and hire car outlets,” Mr Whicker said.
“Council thanks customers and stakeholders for their patience and understanding as these construction works continue over the next 12 months, which will produce an amazing end result for the region.”
The terminal upgrade will include two additional departure gates, an upgraded café space, carousel baggage collection and covered drop off and pick up zones.
During this phase, visitors will see temporary fencing and some roadway diversions for passenger drop off.
Demolition of some walls to the existing terminal will start, along with hoardings and some temporary male toilets installed.
Ashley Halliday Architects’ innovative design is expected to optimise the traveller’s connection and experience.
According to council, the architecture immerses travellers with the “unique natural, geological, cultural and historical features”.
This aims to encourage people to visit, re-visit and engage with the diverse environment, culture and commerce.
The completed components of the project include the extension of runway 18/36 by an additional 120 metres, which takes the runway length to 1644 metres.
The extended runway – which includes a larger aircraft turning node – will now accommodate the landing of F100 aircraft.
The heavy aircraft apron is also complete enabling larger aircraft to utilise the area at the airport with final guidance lights on the apron to be installed in January 2020.
Stage two will start early May next year and be completed by December 2020.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said he was excited to see the project taking shape.
“Each project milestone reached is a step closer to the benefits that this project will bring to the Limestone Coast,” Mr Pasin said.
The project is expected to have significant flow-on effects from better business connections to increased tourism visitor numbers.
“Our government supported this project with $3.5m because it fits into our plan to create more jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities across Australia,” Mr Pasin said.
The Mount Gambier Regional Airport upgrade is also being funded by the State Government.
