Photos: Supplied.
The final stages of the Merimbula Airport upgrade will happen this weekend with a live transition into the long-awaited new terminal building, sixty years after the first terminal building was opened.
Bega Valley Shire Council says short-term changes will still be needed from Monday while work moves to the short stay carpark around the terminal.
Bega Valley Shire Council’s Project Manager, Jenny Symons, says this will minimise the disruption to services, with some final touch up work to occur over the coming weeks.
“We are very excited that the travelling public will soon be able to enjoy the added comfort and improved facilities the new terminal will bring,” Ms Symons says.
“The users of the airport have been incredibly understanding of the disruptions to parking and the use of the temporary terminal building, which significantly reduced the project timeframe.”
The upgrades include an enlarged seating area, improvements to the café, upgraded staff amenities, the separation of arrivals and departures, as well as environmentally-friendly climate control measures including heating and fan-driven ventilation.
The inside of the upgraded terminal at the Merimbula Airport.
Council is encouraging the public to use other options to get to the airport while works take place in the carpark, including where possible, drop-offs, bus services and privately-owned parking sites rather than the short-stay parking.
“The main entrance will be closed with two temporary entrances to be activated – one for hire cars only and the other for all other traffic,” Ms Symons says.
The upgrades are set to be completed by December, ten months after construction began in March, and importantly before the peak summer tourist rush.
The project is being jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Bega Valley Shire Council, with the federal government contributing $1.2 million for the upgrades under the Community Development Grants Programme.
The runway is also being extended to allow a greater range of aircraft and carriers access to the airport, with the hopes of making the region more accessible.
Contact details for alternative transport suggested by the Council includes:
- Merimbula Taxi Service – 6495 2103
- Sapphire Coast On Demand Bus Service – 6495 6452, Google Play, the App Store and the Flexi Bus website.
- Sapphire Coast Buslines – check their website for scheduled services.
- Merimbula Airport Secure Parking – 6495 4211
- Bega Booked Transport – 6492 1595
Explore our photo gallery from the opening of the airport in the 1950’s…
Merimbula Airport Opening, May 30, 1959. Photo: Arthur Kaine, courtesy of Christine Kaine.
Merimbula Airport Opening, May 30, 1959. Photo: Arthur Kaine, courtesy of Christine Kaine.
Merimbula Airport Opening, May 30, 1959. Photo: Arthur Kaine, courtesy of Christine Kaine.
Merimbula Airport Opening, May 30, 1959. Photo: Arthur Kaine, courtesy of Christine Kaine.
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