It comes after Port Macquarie-Hastings Council awarded the $7.8 million construction tender to AW Edwards.

Mayor Peta Pinson said Port Macquarie was a burgeoning regional city and our airport was of vital importance to tourism, business and for the travel of residents.

The $9.875 million upgrade project is being funded through a $5 million contribution from the state government and $1.25 million from the federal government. 

The council will contribute up to $3.625 million to the project.

“We are a rapidly growing region and we are catering for this growth by doubling the existing floor space and making check-in, departure and arrivals more efficient,” Cr Pinson said.

“The current terminal building is quite dated, having been constructed in 1994, and our community will soon be enjoying a travel experience that is consistent, if not better, than other leading regional airports.”

Construction of the expanded terminal building will occur in two phases.

That will ensure an efficient building program and minimise disruption to passengers.

Airport operations will continue as normal.

The upgrade is due for completion by the end of 2019.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said the upgrade to the airport can’t come soon enough.

“As the gateway into Port Macquarie and the Hastings, it is important that we have the best and most efficient airport possible to meet the demands of today’s travelling public,” she said.

“This is an investment that will only add to the visitor experience for the tourism and business sectors for our area.”

Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker said the airport project epitomised what could be achieved when all tiers of government worked together for the common good.

“Road access to and from Sydney and Brisbane has been revolutionised by the vast joint undertaking on the Pacific Highway, and with air travel becoming increasingly important economically and socially, the upgrade of the terminal is an important complementary piece of infrastructure in which all tiers have played their part well,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

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