11 September 2019

Work starts on Merimbula Airport terminal extension

| Ian Campbell
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An illustration of what an upgraded Merimbula Airport terminal may look like on approach from the north apron. Photo: Supplied.

An illustration of what an upgraded Merimbula Airport terminal may look like on approach from the north apron. Photo: Supplied.

Work starts this week on the Merimbula Airport Terminal upgrade, with Albury-based Joss Construction emerging as the successful pitch from the public tender process.

Bega Valley Shire Council says an extension of the terminal is needed in order to allow a greater range of aircraft and airlines to provide services to the region, making it less dependent on the current provider – Rex Airlines.

Planning for an extension of the runway is occurring in parallel with the terminal upgrade.

Council’s Project Manager, Jennifer Symons, says additional measures are being put in place to ensure there are no disruptions to airport services.

“The installation and utilisation of a temporary terminal building will play a big role in this by enabling the building activity to be kept completely separate from the airport users,” Ms Symons says.

Airport user groups were involved in workshops to develop the plans for the terminal and Council says lead architect, STEA Astute Architecture, has extensive experience with regional airports.

“Another important advantage of moving to the temporary terminal is it should reduce the construction period by up to 60 days, with completion expected prior to the busy summer holiday period.

“Being a portable building, the temporary terminal will not provide the normal level of amenity, however, every effort has been made to ensure safety and promote comfort, including the retention of a limited food service and an outdoor area.

“All efforts are being made to minimise disruptions to car parking as well, with the disabled parking spaces to be moved closer to the temporary terminal during the construction phase,” Ms Symons explains.

Daniel McAlister and Brad Piltz (Joss Construction), Mel Thane (Merimbula Airport Operations), Jennifer Symons (Council’s Project Manager) and Chris Thane (Merimbula Airport Operations) go over the plans for the Merimbula Airport Terminal Extension. Photo: BVSC.

Daniel McAlister and Brad Piltz (Joss Construction), Mel Thane (Merimbula Airport Operations), Jennifer Symons (Council’s Project Manager) and Chris Thane (Merimbula Airport Operations) go over the plans for the Merimbula Airport Terminal Extension. Photo: BVSC.

The terminal upgrade is being jointly funded by the Australian Government and Council, with the Commonwealth contributing $1.2 million. Council has set aside $3.2 million, however, the final figure is dependent on the financial arrangements for new security screening equipment.

“Since the project was first scoped and budgeted, the security requirements for aircraft likely to be servicing the region have changed. In particular, the current scope allows for passenger and baggage X-ray screening,” Ms Symons says.

The runway extension is backed by the NSW Government to the effect of $4.4 million.

“That project is still in the planning phases with work continuing towards an environmental impact statement being finalised later this year. The environmental impact statement process includes a consultative phase.”

“Should patrons have any problems using the temporary terminal or have suggestions for improvement they are encouraged to make contact via email – [email protected],” Ms Symons says.

Merimbula Airport. Photo: Bega Valley Shire Council

Merimbula Airport. Photo: Bega Valley Shire Council

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Anne McDowell1:20 pm 27 Mar 19

I am excited about the options of bigger aircraft providing services, perhaps direct flights to Brisbane etc
Good forward thinking by council

Fraser Buchanan12:17 pm 27 Mar 19

Council had allocated $1.2mil to match the Commonwealth contribution for the terminal upgrade, but now due to a massive blow out to the cost the ratepayers are now going to be coughing up perhaps three times that amount $3.2 plus million for reasons that haven’t been made entirely clear, on the ABC radio a few weeks ago the Mayor Kristy McBain said it was because “One significant cost to council has been the change to the Biodiversity Act in regards to the runway extension. So there were costs that escalated in that regard ” and in this article Jenny Symons says “Since the project was first scoped and budgeted, the security requirements for aircraft likely to be servicing the region have changed. In particular, the current scope allows for passenger and baggage X-ray screening,” All a bit confusing? if these requirement have been change and imposed by other authorities or other levels of government why is it not them that is footing the additional costs?…..it is disappointing that our journalists in either print or on air can’t ask the real pertinent questions instead of just being a promo for City Hall to promote their latest(blowout)impost on the ratepayers pockets!

Ian Campbell1:41 pm 27 Mar 19

Thanks Fraser, I asked about the additional cost to Council and the reasons and the answer I got was the answer you see in the article. I will continue you follow the project. You are always welcome to comment, but perhaps you should sign off as president of the Ratepayers Association. Cheers Ian Campbell

The terminal really needs work. Currently it is badly in need of some TLC, looks like it hasn’t been cleaned for months, with dirt and flies under seats and in the windows. The sooner the better.

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