Geraldton Airport will receive $6.5 million in Western Australian Government funding for a runway renewal to support future growth and improve safety, reliability and maintenance costs.
State funds will go towards runway pavement renewal – a key component of the City of Greater Geraldton’s wider plan for the airport.
The runway was last paved nearly 20 years ago in 1998 and is showing signs of wear and tear. Repaving will improve safety and reliability, and reduce future maintenance costs.
The funding for the runway is provided through the Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS).
Geraldton Airport also received nearly $300,000 in funding from the 2017-19 RADS round for new baggage X-ray and explosive trace detection equipment, which is expected to be fully installed by April 2018.
The RADS program provides financial assistance for airport infrastructure at regional airports, helping alleviate capital project cost pressures the regional airport owners face, which can often end up being recouped through fees and charges to residents and visitors as part of higher airfares.
Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, said, “Regional airports are a vital transport link for residents and play a key role in supporting economic and tourism growth in regional areas across Western Australia.
“Additionally, the investment in the runway renewal will help support local jobs.
“Geraldton Airport is the principal airport of the Mid-West region and provides vital connections for visitors, business and residents.
“This is demonstrated by the 23 return flights a week between Perth and Geraldton, along with fly-in fly-out services for the mining industry, and fishing and tourism charters to the Abrolhos Islands, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia and the surrounding coastline.
“Geraldton Airport helps generate nearly $100 million in economic value annually and 187 jobs.
“The $6.5 million contribution is just one aspect of regional funding that will be delivered as part of the McGowan Government’s 2017-18 State Budget, helping improve transport infrastructure and services across WA.”
The City of Greater Geraldton will contribute $6.5 million funding towards the $13 million renewal.
A tender for the overlay works is expected to go out in late 2017.
