The Hervey Bay Airport now has an improved runway and airfield lighting following the completion of a major upgrade funded by the Australian Government.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino said the runway redevelopment works had been completed four months ahead of schedule.

“The improvements to all infrastructure for the main runway and taxiways, improved lighting and the construction of new pavement areas represents the first major upgrade of the Hervey Bay Airport in 15 years,” Ms Marino said.

“The work will ensure the airport continues to meet the required standards to deliver its vital role to connect the local community, deliver new economic activity for the region through opportunities for increased airport operations and businesses to utilise the airport, and marks the completion of a key project under the Hinkler Regional Deal.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said delivering on the project was a key priority under the Regional Deal.

“This project has provided a big boost to local businesses with up to 150 full time and contract staff working at the airport each shift, including local contractors, with materials and equipment also sourced from local suppliers,” Mr Pitt said.

“45,000 tonnes of asphalt has been laid during the project to overlay the runway pavement and rejuvenate the taxiway and aprons to both the terminal used by commercial flights and to the industrial aviation precinct.”

Councillor David Lee said the contractor Fulton Hogan had an onsite batching plant that produced 300 tonnes of asphalt an hour, allowing the use of two paving machines and crews at once.

“The project began in July this year and was originally scheduled to finish in March 2021 but has instead been completed in early November by using two crews per shift,” Cr Lee said.

“Some lighting upgrades were done during the day while the runway was renewed at night to minimise the impact on commercial passenger flights.

“We apologise for the noise produced during these necessary works, and thank everyone for their patience and understanding over the past four months.”

While all the major works are now completed and all major machinery has left the site, the asphalt now needs to cure for a few weeks so grooving can take place in early December.

The redevelopment of the Hervey Bay airport, including the $24 million Hervey Bay Airport runway renewal project, was supported by $9.19 million from the Australian Government and forms part of the Hinkler Regional Deal.