The flow-on benefits from the multi-million dollar Port Macquarie Airport terminal building upgrade were recognised during its official opening.
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The crowd at the official opening on Friday, November 29 included MPs, council staff, airline staff and representatives from the building company, tourism and business.
The $10.175 million project was funded by the state government, federal government and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
Mayor Peta Pinson spoke about the importance of travel for the community.
"I am sure we are going to dazzle our visitors who come here and haven't been here for a while and see what we have done," she said.
The first stage of the upgrade, which was completed in June, involved an expanded departure lounge, new cafe, updated passenger screening area, accessible amenities and a car rental zone.
It also included ducted air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity and new flight information displays.
The final stage features an extended passenger check-in area and new baggage claim carousel.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said the official opening was a significant milestone.
"Ensuring we have a great facility that welcomes our visitors to the region is what is so critically important," she said.
"We know first impressions mean so much and this is such an exciting first impression."
Cowper MP Pat Conaghan said the beautiful building gave so much back to our economy through tourism and business and people arriving from all parts of the globe.
"It's something I know will provide much more tourism, better access and better comfort for many, many years to come," he said.
Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie spoke about the importance of tourism and business to the region.
He said one of the things which made a region flourish was good connectivity.
The terminal building upgrade is a $10.175 million investment funded through a $5 million contribution from the state government, $1.25 million from the federal government and $3.925 million from the council.
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