Wagga Wagga City Council will progress two Australian Government funding agreements with a total worth of almost $5.8 million for major upgrades at Wagga Wagga Airport.
Council was awarded $1.737 million under the Regional Airports Program Round 2 for a $3.474 million aerodrome lighting upgrade, with Council providing a matching contribution.
It has also been awarded $4.053 million through the Regional Airports Screening Infrastructure Program to support upgrades to the airport terminal and enhanced passenger screening requirements.
Director Economy, Business & Workforce Fiona Piltz said the funding was originally offered in 2020 but had not progressed due to uncertainty around Council’s remaining airport lease tenure and the level of Council investment required.
“Now we are entering the final stages of negotiating a new long-term lease agreement with the Department of Defence, it’s appropriate to progress with formalising those funding arrangements,” Ms Piltz said.
“When the lease is formally signed, these funds will allow us to move forward with the works.
“It’s an important step, as the airport is a community facility. It has many benefits to our health and education sectors, businesses, and the broader community, and is also a vital gateway for the region.
“It is an asset that we want to maintain and work with our community on expanding into the future.”
The aerodrome lighting upgrade project will involve upgrading the ageing runway and taxiway lighting, wind indicators and Precision Approach Path Indicator lighting, and providing lighting to aircraft movement areas that are currently unable to be used at night or in low-visibility conditions.
The second project will focus on modifications to the existing terminal building.
“To meet requirements from the Department of Home Affairs, we need to be able to provide space for screening for all passengers coming through the facility,” Ms Piltz said.
“We will be expanding and refurbishing the terminal, accommodating new passenger and carry-on baggage screening equipment, improving the screened departure area and passenger amenities, and providing more efficient passenger movement through the terminal.
“The terminal will continue to operate while the construction works are being undertaken. There will be a little bit of disruption for customers coming through the facility, but I’m sure the community will look forward to the end results.”
Once the new lease is signed, Council will progress with developing the Wagga Wagga Airport Masterplan, which will look at future projects, services, and additional commercial opportunities for the entire precinct.
