CONSTRUCTION of Mount Gambier Regional Airport’s $6m new terminal building will be fast-tracked to ensure the project is completed by its December timeline.
Demolition of the 20-year-old terminal structure will move into full swing today, which will make way for a modern and functional aviation regional gateway.
Regional Express passengers will tomorrow start using a makeshift terminal at the southern end of the build site.
Construction activity will be accelerated amid reduced services and passenger activity due to a slowdown fuelled by the COVID-19 economic downturn.
The plan will work towards stage two of the project – which is the entire terminal building – being completed by December 31.
Passengers will be able to use a section of the new terminal building including check-in counters and baggage carousel in July.
Grant District Council chief executive officer Darryl Whicker said bringing the works schedule forward would benefit local employment.
“Despite some juggling to set up the temporary terminal and redirect passengers, it ultimately means we can keep momentum and work going during the winter weather and complete the project on schedule,” Mr Whicker said.
With the COVID-19 pandemic creating extraordinary change and disruption, Mr Whicker said council worked with Kennett Builders and Ashley Halliday to bring forward the overall development to ensure there was no lag between construction stages.
“The build for stage one is taking shape with installation of steel framework, skylight, roof and external stone facade, providing a glimpse into what will be a modern and welcoming airport to service the Limestone Coast region,” Mr Whicker said.
“Taking stock of the reduced passenger activity at the terminal means there has been less foot traffic so adjustments to the schedule have been made, which is providing local subcontractors with continuous work on site.”
In the short term, the original undercover baggage claim area will be re-purposed to develop a new departure gate to access aircraft airside, as well as a redirected exit road from the visitor car park to accommodate these temporary structures and passenger movements.
Aero Espresso will establish a coffee van in the area and hire car services are still available.
“When the stage one build is complete by early July, passengers will then transition into the new space,” Mr Whicker said.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin yesterday welcomed the ramping up of activity on the site.
While reduced passenger numbers was disappointing, he said it was a silver lining to know construction on the new terminal was progressing and taking advantage of reduced traffic at this time.
“The Morrison Government is investing $3.5m in this project because not only it is creating construction jobs now, which is more important than ever during the economic downturn, but when complete it will offer a welcome to visitors of the Limestone Coast that we can all be proud of, just like this amazing region,” Mr Pasin said.
With overseas holidays off the table this year, Mr Pasin hoped this would lead to an increase in domestic tourists when travel within Australia resumes.
South Australian Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the Marshall Government was investing record amounts in regional infrastructure to build stronger regional communities and support regional jobs.
“This upgrade to Mount Gambier’s regional airport is vital for local tourism, helping to better connect the region to the rest of the state and country and will help boost the local economy,” Mr Knoll said.
“We are building better infrastructure across the South East region, from fixing roads to reinstate the 110kph speed limit to regional hospital and school upgrades.”
The Mount Gambier Regional Airport upgrade is funded by both federal and state governments.
REDEVELOPMENT
STAGE 1: JULY DEADLINE
• Check-in counters
• Car hire desk spaces
• Aero Espresso Café, kitchen and cool room
• Back of house office space and service areas for Rex ground crew
• Entry and Exits
• Stone façade
• Circular feature skylight
• Baggage carousel
• Airside departures and arrivals access
• Painting, cladding, tiling, joinery and other works
• Initial regulatory and branding signage
• Furniture such as café seating and other seating/tables
• Temporary toilets near stage one area.
STAGE 2: DECEMBER DEADLINE
• Remainder of departure lounge space
• Link gallery space
• Toilets and amenities, including a changing places toilet
• Additional furniture and seating for departure lounges
• Landscaping, kerbing and roads
• Completed signage
• Completion of airside access
• Completion of all internal and external works
