An investment of more than $30 million to upgrade one of South Australia's most important airports has been completed, allowing vital services to the Whyalla region to continue.
Funded by the Australian ($16.2 million) and South Australian ($13.8 million) governments, the upgrade strengthened the airport's runway to allow larger aircraft to service the region.
Whyalla City Council funded an additional $2.4 million of the works, which also included replacing the existing airfield lighting system.
The completion of works will allow new 74-seat Q400 aircraft to operate on Whyalla routes, allowing for faster flight times and increased passenger numbers.
The South Australian Government recently established the Whyalla Special Economic Zone to drive local industry involvement in government projects, such as the Whyalla Airport runway upgrade.
Delivered by Fulton Hogan, the project used 90 per cent local construction materials and utilised a total workforce of approximately 234 people, 110 of whom were Whyalla locals.
Quotes attributable to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas:
"This investment is a demonstration of our confidence in Whyalla's long-term future.
"Whyalla Airport services more than 50,000 passengers every year, many of them workers, and this upgrade will ensure the airport can continue its important work."
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"These upgrades at Whyalla Airport will keep local communities connected, bring visitors in and help maintain a strong regional aviation network for Australia.
"That's why the Albanese Government has proudly invested $16.2 million to this project, partnering with the state and local government to deliver for the Whyalla region."
Quotes attributable to Federal Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres:
"As well as keeping locals better connected in the long term, this upgrade for Whyalla Airport injected around $4 million directly into the region's economy.
"It also provided welcome construction jobs while drawing on local materials, providing a major boost for the area."
Quotes attributable to South Australian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis:
"This upgrade was imperative to ensure commercial air travel could continue to this facility.
"Without it, there would have been significant damage to the businesses that rely on FIFO workers, as well as tourism operators, among others.
"Whyalla is clearly a major priority of this Government, and the importance of a well-functioning access point to and from the city cannot be overstated."
Quotes attributable to South Australian Senator Karen Grogan:
"Whyalla Airport brings in tourists, FIFO workers and a range of essential services - making it a critical gateway for the region's prosperity.
"It is one of the largest regional airports in South Australia and our Government is proud to have invested in its future."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Giles Eddie Hughes:
"Once again the Federal and State Labor Governments demonstrate their commitment to Whyalla and the Northern Spencer Gulf by partnering to fund the essential upgrade of the Whyalla Airport.
"Without that investment we would have lost vital commercial flights between Whyalla and Adelaide, not to mention the provision of medical services would have been seriously degraded not just in Whyalla but also in Port Augusta.
"It's great to see the upgrade delivered on time, on budget and employing locals."
Quotes attributable to City of Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone:
"I'd like to thank the Albanese and Malinauskas governments for their unprecedented financial support of Whyalla's steelworks and airport, thereby recognising the significance of our city in the prosperity of both the state and the entire nation.
"The airport runway project has provided a major injection for local contractors and employees throughout its construction and will continue to benefit the Whyalla economy for decades to come."
Quotes attributable to QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan:
"This investment by Federal, State and local governments not only supports the future of air travel in Whyalla, but also unlocks new opportunities for economic growth across the region.
"Our investment in an all-Q400 fleet means larger aircraft flying to and from Whyalla, providing more seats and a faster, more comfortable journey for customers."
Quotes attributable to Peter Curl, Fulton Hogan CEO - Infrastructure Services:
"We've been proud to deliver this project for Whyalla, a community that has shown us overwhelming support.
"We believe in creating, connecting, and caring for communities and our focus has been to prioritise working with local businesses and workforce. We have also worked closely with the Council on several community-focused projects to show our appreciation to the community of Whyalla."
