An $8.8 million upgrade to Cessnock Airport will kick off in early 2022, after the tender for the project was awarded at Wednesday's Cessnock City Council meeting.
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Council received a $6.6 million grant for the project under the Restart NSW Growing Local Economies Fund in April 2020, and is contributing a $2.2 million towards the project.
The project includes the widening and resealing of taxiways, provision of aprons and aircraft parking areas, improved fuel area access, runway rehabilitation, water and sewer connections, installation of non-precision GPS approaches and an upgrade to the eastern terminal.
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said he was excited to see this project kick off as it has the potential to create nearly 60 jobs and will be a welcome boost for the economy.
"Our tourism industry has been hit hard in recent times and this project will transform Cessnock Airport into one of the state's top airports for general aviation and improve the visitor experience," Cr Pynsent said.
"Some people may not know that the airport was gifted to the people of Cessnock in the 1990s and comes with a wealth of history, from use in the 2nd World War, to having NASA undertake research at this facility.
"We can now transform this facility and future-proof it for our community."
All works must be completed by June 30, 2022, in line with the funding deed between council and Restart NSW.
