Published on Monday, 9 July 2018 at 9:06:34 AM
The Geraldton Airport will receive a runway extension, following the Federal Government’s contribution of $10 million through the Building Better Regions Fund.
Combined with $7.5 million from the City of Greater Geraldton and $6.5 million from the State Government, the major expansion project will now advance with works likely to commence as early as October.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn thanked the Federal Government for their significant contribution.
“Receiving this $10 million from the Building Better Regions Fund allows us to expand the capacity of the Geraldton Airport, and is the culmination of years of work,” he said.
“The expansion will enable development of direct interstate and international services for tourism and airfreight, and should give the private sector greater confidence to invest in Geraldton.
“Geraldton is well positioned for direct tourism and trade services with South East Asia, China and Japan. Opportunities to grow these industries are real.”
The expansion project includes the renewal and upgrade of the existing runway, taxiway and apron pavements as well as extension of the main runway to 2,400 metres and expansion of the main apron to accommodate larger aircrafts such as an A330 and B787.
Mayor Van Styn added that the expansion provides a key benefit to the state’s aviation industry.
“Geraldton Airport will now have greater capacity as an alternative landing for Perth Airport should elements such as fog or bad weather strike,” he said.
“Having an airport within less than one hour flight time of Perth, that is able to accommodate landings by larger jets, is important for tourism in our state as it enables airlines to carry smaller fuel loads and improves flight economies.
“I would also like to personally thank the State Government, Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price MP and Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh MP for investing in our region.”
The expansion of Geraldton Airport is scheduled for completion during the current financial year.
The City of Greater Geraldton would also like to thank the State Government for their early support of the airport expansion that enabled this Federal investment. The City is delighted to see such universal confidence and commitment in Geraldton and the Midwest.
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