Geraldton Airport upgrade
Transport Minister Troy Buswell officially opened the $2.6 million upgraded facilities at Geraldton Airport on Tuesday.
The upgrade involved the construction of a security checkpoint facility; passenger and baggage screening equipment, including passenger and explosive trace detection; and a secure pre-boarding lounge.
"This significant upgrade to the terminal will enable the Geraldton Airport to operate as a security-controlled airport," Mr Buswell said.
"The new facilities meet the required Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) standards allowing jet aircraft to access the airport, which will provide a great opportunity for growth in the Mid-West region."
The State Government provided $2.6 million for the upgrade - $1.37 million through the Regional Airport Development Scheme (RADS) and $1.2million through the Royalties for Regions Country Local Government Fund.
The Minister also announced the deregulation of the Perth to Geraldton air route.
"More than 90,000 passengers use the Perth to Geraldton route each year and there is great potential to increase this number with the ability to fly jet aircraft into Geraldton, as well as the route being open to competition," he said.
"This airport will become a significant regional hub for air services, so it is important that its infrastructure is developed and maintained to the appropriate standard."
Construction on the project commenced in January 2010 and was completed in June 2010, with two local companies involved in the upgrade.
The project was designed and managed by Eastman, Poletti, Sherwood Architects and building undertaken by Crothers Construction Pty Ltd.
Picture courtesy of Geraldton Guardian
