The $8 million construction of the Port Macquarie Airport Parallel Taxiway is now complete, representing a significant step forward in the growth and expansion of the airport’s operation.
Identified as a key infrastructure upgrade in the Port Macquarie Airport Master Plan 2010, the construction of the parallel taxiway and the renewal of the existing general aviation (GA) taxiway and apron pavements, will enhance the safety, access and operational efficiency of the Airport.
The 887-metre-long taxiway was competed by contractors Building Heights ahead of scheduled and on budget.
Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson said; “This is a very important project for the airport, and it has come at an exciting time of growth and opportunity for the region highlighted by the imminent arrival of Bonza in April.”
“The main purpose of the parallel taxiway will be to relieve runway congestion by reducing the time general aviation aircraft are needed to occupy the runway. It will ensure that local aircraft can continue their operations safely in conjunction with larger, passenger aircraft which will continue to use the runway to taxi to and from the terminal building.
“In time, we envisage that future upgrades to the taxiway will enable it to cater to larger passenger aircraft similar to the type that will be used by Bonza.
“Thank you to the Australian Government for their contribution to the project, and Building Heights for their professional and diligent approach to completing the project on time and ahead of budget.”
The parallel taxiway project is 50 per cent funded by the Australian Government under the Regional Airports Program Round 1 Grant, with additional funding contributed by PMHC from the Airport Reserve.
Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan, congratulated Port Macquarie Hastings Council on the completion of the Airport works, which previously included the terminal upgrade.
“The initial investment was made by The Nationals in 2020 as part of our Regional Airports Program at the time and was awarded to Port Macquarie specifically due to recommendations from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority,” Mr Conaghan said.
“For our regional communities, the local airport is an essential link to the rest of Australia. The taxiway is the final piece of the Port Macquarie Airport upgrades, and it’s wonderful to see these works completed by Council and ready for use by locals and tourists alike”.
