Now that the freshly sealed and extended runway at Merimbula airport has been finished, works have begun on the development of a greatly improved general aviation precinct.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Council's Acting CEO, Anthony McMahon said with airport traffic returning to pre-COVID levels, it was all systems go to build a precinct for local business and private aircraft users.
"This next stage of the Merimbula Airport redevelopment will be the most visible to the general public and we're excited about what this will bring to the area," Mr McMahon said.
"A priority that has grown even more apparent in recent months is the need to create an elevated area for small and privately-owned aircraft.
"The recent heavy rain has demonstrated that keeping aircraft in a low-lying area restricts access by private users, so we have in line a fully engineered solution with a higher ground level and underground drainage.
"Alongside this, we are working to deliver taxiways connecting to the renewed runway and hangar zones where private aircraft can be stored and serviced away from the elements.
READ ALSO:
"A major part of this development involves a big improvement to accessing the general aviation area.
Currently all users requiring access to private aircraft and the airport business zone are required to pass through an increasingly busy airport carpark.
But the new design would provide separate access points from Arthur Kane Drive, keeping airport passenger traffic separated from the General Aviation precinct.
"A vastly improved business zone is also coming, with the addition of purpose-built modern facilities to the precinct."
Mr McMahon said with tourism business opportunities on the rise, having an expanded and modernised business zone within Merimbula Airport is an imperative.
"When finished, the general aviation precinct will be landscaped by local contractors to soften and blend the development in with neighbouring environments," he said.
"Commencing this latest stage of the Merimbula Airport redevelopment is an exciting last step that started with delivery of a new terminal building in 2019.
"It's important to have the infrastructure and services to match the vital importance this gateway has to our community."
For more information on the Merimbula Airport redevelopment, visit the Major Project page on Council's website.
