In great news for travelling locals, visitors and tourists the upgrade of the Port Macquarie Airport Terminal is now complete, with the official opening celebrated this morning.
A range of improvements that enhance the airport experience are being enjoyed, including an expanded departure lounge that doubles the previous seating capacity, a new café, updated passenger-screening area, accessible amenities and a dedicated car rental zone.
Patrons are now also enjoying ducted air conditioning throughout the terminal, Wi-Fi connectivity and the installation of improved flight information displays. These improvements were all part of stage 1 of the upgrade project, completed in June this year.
With the final stage of the upgrade now complete, airport visitors are also experiencing an expanded passenger check-in area and new baggage claim carousel, resulting in a complete transformation and doubling of size of the terminal building.
Mayor Peta Pinson spoke enthusiastically about how the new terminal building is providing a far more enjoyable and contemporary airport experience.
“Whether you’re a local or visitor, you can’t help but be impressed with what has been achieved at our airport, which is often the first impression that people get of our wonderful region,” Mayor Pinson said.
“Off the back of Virgin Australia offering additional flights to and from Sydney from March next year, and with our community growing so rapidly, we now have a facility that rivals any regional airport in the country, and secures our airport future for many decades to come.”
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said the upgraded terminal building is an excellent outcome for the travelling public and she has heard nothing but positive feedback from the community.
“This project reflects the Liberal and Nationals ongoing commitment to fund vital infrastructure for regional communities by injecting millions of dollars into key projects including in the Port Macquarie-Hastings,” Mrs Williams said.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the project was a great example of the heights that could be achieved when the different tiers of government worked together.
“Our Government wants to play to our economic strengths and realise opportunities and expanding the Port Macquarie Airport Terminal has achieved that,” he said.
“Tourists love Port, it was voted the seventh most friendliest town by Big 7 Travel last month (October). By investing in the gateway to our region we have together delivered significant support to this industry and local jobs.”
“Large infrastructure projects such as this simply wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships with all levels of government, and I’d like to thank Leslie and Pat for advocating on Council’s behalf, and working closely with us to bring this project to reality,” Mayor Pinson added.
The upgrade to the terminal building is a $10.175m investment funded through a $5 million contribution from the NSW Government under the Restart NSW Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, and $1.25 million from the Australian Government through the Community Development Grants Programme. Council contributed $3.925 million to the upgrade.
For more information visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/airport-terminal-upgrade or call Council on 6581 8111.
