MILLIONS of dollars in construction works are continuing at Mount Gambier Regional Airport as the future of regional air passenger services remain on a knife-edge.
The crisis has triggered Regional Express to scale back services at Mount Gambier airport amid passenger numbers drastically plummeting.
While planes touched down at the airport yesterday morning, only a handful of passengers – some wearing protective masks – disembarked.
Figures show passenger numbers have dropped by a staggering 80pc due to the COVID-19 economic meltdown.
Despite the turbulence hitting the airline sector, the $9.2m redevelopment of the commercial airfield this week reached a major milestone.
Structural steel work is under way for the redeveloped terminal, which is poised to transform the regional aviation gateway into a modern and functional facility.
Council chief executive officer Darryl Whicker said the local government body was buoyed these major works were continuing.
“Council is pleased with the progress undertaken by Kennett Builders,” Mr Whicker said.
He said the project was on track for the hand-over of stage one to occur late May to early June.
“The erection of the steel works is occurring and gives a perspective on the size and scale of the new terminal,” Mr Whicker said.
Despite the current COVID-19 crisis, he said council and stakeholders involved in the airport upgrade had worked within the new protocols to progress the project’s activity.
“This is a good news story because we can keep local subcontractors on the job,” Mr Whicker said.
Council has also dropped the passenger head tax to zero for six months to help keep services from collapsing.
Meanwhile, Member for Barker Tony Pasin said he was also pleased the airport upgrade was continuing given it was critical regional infrastructure.
“In this difficult and uncertain time and in the interest of maintaining as many Australian livelihoods as possible, it is important that wherever possible, subject always to the health-related limitations, we continue as close to business as usual as practicable,” Mr Pasin said.
“That is why I’m pleased to see work continuing on the Mount Gambier Regional Airport redevelopment.
“This much anticipated project, funded by the federal, state and local governments is a strategically important infrastructure build which once completed, will assist the Limestone Coast to recover from the economic shock caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The terminal redevelopment will include two additional departure gates, an upgraded café space, carousel baggage collection and covered drop off and pick up zones.
Council has introduced social distancing barriers and hygiene reminders.
