Representatives from the Australian Government, Victorian Government and the City of Greater Bendigo have gathered to mark the start of construction on the Bendigo Airport terminal precinct.
The City has awarded Nicholson Construction with the contract to deliver the project and today stakeholders turned the first sod for the development.
Early site works have commenced and will include installing site huts and fencing, and relocation of the maintenance sheds. These works will take approximately one month before the project moves through to site preparation and construction.
The $9.985 million redevelopment will expand the terminal's existing footprint and be developed in two stages.
The first stage will deliver a new, larger building to be developed to the south of the current terminal building (toward the RMIT hangar).
It will feature a departure lounge, café, provision for security screening area, restroom facilities, office space and equipment shed.
While these works take place, the current terminal building will remain in use.
When Stage 1 is complete, operations will move into the new building and the current terminal building will be demolished to make way for a new entry foyer, baggage check-in and baggage claim areas, and more restroom facilities.
The project will also establish a business park with 21 lots connected to drainage, sewer and water services, roadworks and new car park, and improved lighting and landscaping.
The project is funded by $4.5 million from the Australian Government, $4.5 million from the Victorian Government and $985,000 from the City of Greater Bendigo.
The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2023.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King
"This is an important investment not just in better air links and facilities for the Bendigo region, but also in local jobs.
"We expect this project will support 49 jobs during the construction phase, before creating five full-time jobs in the first year of operation and up to 19 jobs by 2030."
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing
"This project will support an increasing number of visitors to Bendigo and bring more business activity and jobs to the region."
Quote attributable to State Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"This is a significant project for Bendigo it's going to provide a boost in jobs and tourism for our local community."
Quote attributable to State Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"This project is so important to Bendigo and the wider region, not only will it create jobs it will be a boost for business and our tourism."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters
"I am pleased to see the project underway.
"The Bendigo-Sydney service has proven to be very successful and demand is expected to continue to rise.
"The Bendigo Airport terminal upgrade will create jobs, bring more people to Bendigo and drive economic growth."
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf
"This has been a priority project of Council's for several years and it is very exciting to see work underway. We look forward to delivering a fantastic new terminal building and business park to support the continued success of Bendigo Airport," Cr Metcalf said.
"We ask for the community's patience as we move through the various stages of construction. Entry and exit points to the current terminal building may change a few times and access between the car park and terminal will also be affected occasionally.
"The Qantas service though will still operate as scheduled.
"Current airport tenants will also be re-directed around the airport from time to time, and we also appreciate their support as the works take place."
