$66M has been committed to the Newcastle Airport upgrades, bringing the runway to international standards and directly connecting the Hunter region to countries worldwide.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited the Newcastle Airport on Friday, May 7, to announce the funding and upgrades which are a part of the Federal Budget.
“Here in Newcastle, it’s an exciting day, $66M will be announced in the budget on Tuesday night by the Treasurer to invest in widening the runway and various other works at Newcastle Airport,” Morrison said.
“This will ensure that we can take larger flights, and we can back the future of the Hunter and its considerable potential that it has.
“It’s a 7.5-metre extension on either side of the runway, which will allow twin-aisle planes to land, such as the Boeing 787, Boeing 777 and Airbus 8350; these aircrafts can carry between 251 and 382 people.”
The upgrade works will allow wide-bodied, long-haul aircrafts to fly in and out of Williamtown, connecting the rest of the world to the people and businesses of the Hunter, Central Coast and Northern NSW.
Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the upgrade was a game-changer for the region.
“I want to thank the Prime Minister and the Federal Government for the confidence and trust they have shown in our airport and the region more generally,” Cock said.
“Now we can focus on the potential that this infrastructure upgrade will unleash; it will permanently change our region for the better in so many ways.
“Of course, it will offer convenience for travellers from our region who want to fly internationally, but more importantly, it will drive huge, sustainable economic benefits into the whole of northern NSW.
“It is truly a nation-building project.”
The airport project is expected to create 4500 jobs and generate an estimated $12.7B in economic benefits through international airfreight, industrial expansion, and stimulation of the visitor economy.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project would provide a vital boost for Newcastle and the wider region during the next two decades.
“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the City of Newcastle and the broader region, following ongoing advocacy to bring our airport’s runway up to international standard,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Newcastle Airport plays a key role in our city’s ongoing transition from a great regional centre to an emerging global city, connecting our local communities with family, friends and colleagues across the nation and around the globe.
“Upgrading the runway to international standard will allow us to build on the attractiveness of this region as an international destination, while also providing direct connections around the world for local travellers.”
Newcastle Airport is jointly owned by the City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council, with the runway upgrades due to commence in June 2021 and will be completed in early 2023.
Information source: Media release, May 7, City of Newcastle
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