NSW tourism and major events minister Adam Marshall paid a visit to the region on April 28 to announce the completion of upgrades to Taree Airport.
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Through joint funding by the State government and MidCoast Council, the airport received an expanded airside aircraft parking apron as well as the installation of a precision approach path indicator (a visual aid for planes to land in all weather conditions).
New lighting, security system, solar panels, a water tank, welcome sign and tourism promotional display were also added as part of the $705,000 project.
Flanked by member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead and MidCoast Council's director of community spaces and services Paul De Szell, Mr Marshall remained optimistic about luring more tourists and aviation services to the region.
"MidCoast Council has been a wonderful partner in delivering this project which will provide the opportunities now for an expansion of air services and passenger numbers into Taree.
"Last calendar year we saw 16,500 passengers land here at Taree Airport, a 14 per cent increase since 2015.
"This upgrade will support and encourage further growth in that market which will put this community and this region in very good stead to actually see more services by Rex (Regional Express Airlines) and perhaps other players in the market,” Mr Marshall said.
Mr Bromhead backed the minister’s call that local businesses will benefit from the upgrades.
"This is the gateway into the Manning Valley and to hear 16,500 extra people are coming into the area through this gateway is great news for the Manning Valley.
“It’s estimated that this project will result in a $40 million return for the local economy.
“There will be greater flight passenger numbers, more overnight stays and more tourist dollars ending up in the pockets of local business people,” Mr Bromhead said.
MidCoast Council and Mr Bromhead have held discussion with Regional Express Airlines about increasing the volume of flights into the airport.
Mr De Szell said the upgrades are an opportunity for aviation services to grow in the region.
"I think it's a fantastic opportunity for aviation in the MidCoast region, particularly in MidCoast Council.
"It provides greater opportunities now for not only Rex to increase flights but for training opportunities for general aviation and business.
"We're thoroughly excited and happy to be a part of it with the State government and we're very thankful for the funding they've given us to increase the infrastructure in our area,” Mr De Szell said.
