PRIME Minister Scott Morrison visited Williamtown last week alongside Senator Hollie Hughes and David Gillespie, Member for Lyne.

He touched down on the runway at Newcastle Port Stephens Airport where he announced game changing funding for the airport which will see $66 million invested in widening the runway.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, “It’s great to be back in the Hunter – $66 million dollars will be announced in the Budget on Tuesday night by the Treasurer to invest in widening the runway here and various other works here at Newcastle Airport, to ensure that we can take larger flights here in Newcastle and we can back in the future of the Hunter for the considerable potential that this region has.”

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Subject to budget being passed, work will commence in August and be completed in 2022.

“What this will mean is jobs.”

It is estimated that the project will increase jobs throughout the Hunter with around 4,400 jobs being created half of which will be in the tourism industry.

“This will add more jobs in the Hunter and this will be the backup that is needed for the commercial side of the industry, the commercial side of the region, to really realise its potential.”

The project includes a seven and a half metre extension on either side of the runway, which will allow planes such as the Boeing 787, the Boeing 777, the Airbus A350 to land at the Newcastle Port Stephens Airport.

“These aircraft can carry between 251 and 382 people.

“The runway works will maximise the benefits of works already completed for the terminal, to upgrade the international arrivals and departure processing facility.”

The government has committed some $3.8 billion to support the aviation sector since March of 2020.

“This will also support the works that are underway here and the projects and programmes that are being run in our Defence industry here, with the F-35s and other operations at Williamtown.

“So this is a win win win.

“It’s a win for the commercial aviation industry.

“It’s a win for the Hunter and it’s a win for the Defence operations that we run here from the Hunter,” said the Prime Minister.

Peter Cock CEO of Newcastle Port Stephens Airport said, “As a region we were really behind this. Newcastle Airport is already the second international gateway into New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state.

“This has given us the chance to dream and have a vision.

“We’re now thinking Singapore.

“We’re now thinking the Middle East.

“We’re now thinking the US.

“All these have become possible.

“The Prime Minister’s announcement has unlocked the potential of this region, the 4,500 jobs, the $12 billion of economic activity,” he said.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project will provide a vital boost for Newcastle and the wider region during the next two decades.

“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the City of Newcastle and broader region, following ongoing advocacy to bring our airport’s runway up to international standard (Code E) and allow it to accommodate long-range, wide-bodied aircraft,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle Airport plays a key role in our city’s ongoing transition from a great regional centre to an emerging global city, connecting our local communities with family, friends and colleagues across the nation and around the globe.”

By Marian SAMPSON