"Overseas Flights a Step Closer for Newcastle Airport"
Extracted from Port Stephens Examiner Jessica Brown 11/6/2014
Terminal Expansion is set to start in July
NEWCASTLE Airport's $11.1 million terminal expansion, which could pave the way for international flights, will start in July after contracts were awarded to company Hansen Yuncken.
"Hansen Yuncken has a considerable presence in the Hunter and we are delighted to be working with an organisation to support jobs and the local economy," Newcastle Airport chief executive Paul Hughes said
The announcement was made today, with the Minister for Planning and Environment Pru Goward calling the expansion a demonstration of the state government's commitment to the Hunter.
The multimillion-dollar development is funded by the NSW government's Hunter Infrastructure Investment Fund.
Terminal concept plans include international capabilities and were originally developed by Schreiber Hamilton Architecture, in consultation with stakeholders, airlines and border agencies.
The expansion will result in additional domestic flights, more retail space and include infrastructure capable of handling international flights.
It is expected the full construction process will be completed by the end of 2015.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Planning and Port MP Craig Baumann said the construction would boost jobs and open up international-travel possibilities.
"It will be a long-lasting boost to the visitor economy to one day secure routes into south-east Asia," Mr Baumann said.
"In addition to construction jobs, the expanded terminal will support additional retail and aviation jobs."