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9 November 2008

Major improvements to the Wagga Wagga Airport were officially opened in a ceremony last November 8.

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The $2.2 million upgrade at the airport was carried out to improve community amenities, meet upgraded security requirements from the Department of Transport and Regional Services and position the facility for future growth.

Mayor Kerry Pascoe said the airport terminal refurbishment and car park extension had received several accolades from both passengers, community members and airlines – Regional Express and Qantas.

“With our City’s forecasted passenger numbers for 2008/09 being upwards of 220,000, Council undertook the extensive large scale refurbishment of the Airport late last year,” he said.

“Our local community and various visitors to the City can now be assured of a state of the art airport facility which meets all security requirements and provides passengers with every comfort and convenience.

“I am very impressed with the extensive refurbishment, and with the builders, architects and staff who have undertaken this significant project. I have received lots of favourable comments from members of the public.”

The improvements include:

•    Airport terminal extension and refurbishment ($1,293,000).
Increased seating capacity to approximately 250 seats and internal refurbishment to allow for greater passenger comfort, as well as a secure internal baggage handling area
•    Airport car park extension 
Car park spaces were increased from 97 to 190 ($338,000)
•    Airport tarmac maintenance ($202,000)
•    Additional Airport security fencing ($109,000)
•    Airport security cameras ($43,000)

Funding for the works was provided from Federal Government grants under the Regional Airports Funding Program ($482,203) and the Airport Reserve, not Council’s general income.

Member for Riverina Kay Hull, representatives from Council, Regional Express and Qantas Airlines, Mrs Eilish Kendell (the wife of the late Don Kendell - the founder of Kendell Airlines), as well as other interested community members attended the official opening ceremony. 

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