BY ISABEL EVERETT
The State Government has granted Cessnock airport $6.6 million, with the upgrades set to create around 60 jobs, and see up to $32 million injected into the local economy over time.
Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor
Bob Pynsent says this will be an important boost to the local tourism industry, after being hard hit over the last six months.
"We’re improving the experience for our visitors and increasing our opportunities when it comes to aviation as larger aircraft will be able to use the runway.”
The Council is contributing $2.1 million dollars to the project, and Mr Piper says he hopes the project will transform the airport into one of the State’s top airports for general aviation.
"Its a significant project to revitalize the airport and recognize it's business opportunities," he says.
"The Hunter regional plan recognizes Cessnock airport as the second airport to Newcastle, so it's quite a significant airport and we've now got the opportunity to further develop it and get a real return from it."
"In emergency times, during the bush fires, the airport was of significant use, medical planes transport patients from there and there are maintenance facilities," Mr Piper says.
The project involves the extension and reconstruction of the runway, widening and resealing of taxiways and development of parking areas to allow a wider array of aircraft to land as well as the establishment of an aviation museum.
"Some people may not know that
the airport was gifted to the people of Cessnock in the 1990’s and comes with a
wealth of history from use in the 2nd World War, to having NASA undertake
research at this facility," Mr Piper says.
There is currently no set date for the start of construction.
"I'm hoping as soon as possible, we've been siting on this for 3 years so were definitely shovel ready," Mr Piper says.
"We can now transform this facility and future proof
it for our community.”
