The build for Stage 1 is taking shape with installation of steel framework, skylight, roof and external stone façade, providing a glimpse into what will be a modern and welcoming airport to service the Limestone Coast region.
With the COVID-19 pandemic creating extraordinary change and disruption, Council has worked with the team at Kennett Builders and Ashley Halliday to bring forward the overall development program to ensure there is no lag between construction stages. 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.
Complete demolition of original terminal will commence this week and a temporary terminal will be erected at the southern end of the build site. For the short term Council and Kennett’s will repurpose the original undercover baggage claim area and set up 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. The team from Aero Espresso will be setting up their coffee van in the area as well and hire car services are still available.
When the Stage 1 build is complete by early July, passengers will then transition into the new space.
Chief Executive Officer, Mr Darryl Whicker, said that reviewing the approach made sense.
“Bringing the works schedule forward will benefit local employment and despite some juggling to set up the temporary terminal and redirect passengers, it ultimately means that we can keep momentum and work going during the winter weather and complete the project on schedule.”
Member for Barker, Mr Tony Pasin said that the current reduced passenger numbers was obviously disappointing for the region, however it was a silver lining to know that construction on the new terminal was progressing and taking advantage of reduced traffic at this time.
“The Morrison Government is investing $3.5 million 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 Coasts we can all be proud of, just like this amazing region. With overseas holidays off the table this year, I hope that we will see an increase in domestic tourists when travel within Australia resumes,” Mr Pasin said.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government 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,” said Minister Knoll.
“We are building better infrastructure across the South East region, from fixing roads to reinstate the 110km/h speed limit to regional hospital and school upgrades.”
The recent unveiling of the new Airport Logo has been another positive step in this project starting to come together and now that activity will start to move quickly for the remainder of 2020, the community are encouraged to keep update to on the Mount Gambier Regional Airport Project at yoursaydcg.com.au.
The Mount Gambier Regional Airport Upgrade is funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund in partnership with the South Australian State Government.