The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $1.72 million into a major upgrade to aviation infrastructure at Shellharbour Airport which is set to deliver up to 100 new jobs, training opportunities and economic growth for the Illawarra.
The funding will see the flight training and maintenance company, Performance Aviation, construct a purpose-built Aircraft Maintenance hangar and Pilot Training Academy at Shellharbour Airport, strengthening the region's reputation as a hub for aviation excellence.
The Government's $1.72 million will be matched by Performance Aviation bringing a total investment into the project of $3.42 million.
Performance Aviation anticipates the project will support up to 100 direct and indirect jobs for the region during the delivery and beyond, ranging from flight instruction and parachute packing roles to engineering and administration.
- The new hangar at Shellharbour Airport for aircraft maintenance and pilot training will
- provide expert training and maintenance services to local, regional, interstate and international aviators, aircraft owners and operators while developing career pathways for locals.
- be used to establish a Skydive Australia hub which is expected to attract valuable tourism business to the region, boosting the local economy.
Performance Aviation has been based out of Shellharbour Airport for more than 25 years, providing expert aircraft maintenance services to operators across Australia.
The team works on a wide range of aircraft, including turboprop, piston fixed-wing and helicopters, and is recognised nationally for its specialist work on C208 Caravan aircraft.
Performance Aviation currently employs more than 25 local engineering staff at its Shellharbour workshop and operates additional facilities in Mareeba, Queensland and Wanaka, New Zealand.
The new hanger will also support the Australia Jump Pilot Academy, a locally established flight training organisation, which was recently recognised as CASA's Flight Training Business of the Year, by providing enhanced training facilities and turboprop endorsements.
In addition to the training academy, the project will establish a Skydive Australia business hub, including a parachute rigging and repair facility, further broadening the range of aviation services available at Shellharbour Airport.
For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/REDCIP
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"This project is a win for boosting local jobs, a win for aviation training, and a win for regional NSW.
"This investment will help Performance Aviation continue to deliver high-quality, safe and compliant aircraft maintenance services while creating new career pathways for young people in the Illawarra and beyond, training the next generation of aviation professionals.
"This is exactly the kind of project our Regional Development Trust Fund is designed to support, one that delivers long-term benefits for regional communities."
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said:
"Shellharbour Airport has long been a cornerstone of our region's aviation capability, and this investment cements its future as a powerhouse for local jobs, skills and innovation."
"This is exactly the kind of industry-backed growth that strengthens our economy, creates real opportunities, and showcases the Illawarra as a region with an ever-growing economy."
Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson said:
"The new hangar at Shellharbour Airport marks a major investment in the future of aviation in our region.
"By expanding our capacity to service aircraft and support aviators, we're strengthening the backbone of local, regional, and international aviation.
"The hangar isn't just about general aviation-it's about creating unforgettable experiences for skydivers over our pristine coastline that will put this region on the map for adrenaline lovers."
Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:
"This funding delivers practical support for the volunteers, workers and innovators who keep our regional communities thriving.
"Whether it's improving safety on the water, growing advanced manufacturing or boosting tourism, these projects will have a lasting impact across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
CEO of Experience Co, John O'Sullivan said:
"For more than 25 years, Performance Aviation has proudly called Shellharbour Airport home.
This support from the NSW Government will enable the development of a purpose-built skydiving and aviation hub - Hangar 6.
It represents an exciting new chapter for our two divisions, Performance Aviation and Skydive Australia, enabling us to continue investing in local employment, retaining highly skilled talent within the Illawarra, and delivering the specialised training programs that the aviation industry needs.
Together, we are proud to work with government and community partners to strengthen regional aviation and adventure tourism, while creating pathways for the next generation of Australian aviation professionals."
