Fulton Hogan has joined key stakeholders to celebrate the opening of the latest upgrade of Whyalla Airport.
The project was funded by an investment of $30 million from a combination of the Federal Government ($16.2 million), South Australian Government ($13.8 million) and the Whyalla City Council ($2.4 million).
The upgrades strengthened the runway to allow for larger aircraft and replaced the existing airfield lighting system. The works will enable larger aircraft, including the 74-seat Q400, to travel on routes from the airport.
Fulton Hogan supported project delivery. The company has stated that it used 90 per cent locally sourced construction materials, and almost half of its workforce was sourced from local Whyalla residents.
“We believe in creating, connecting, and caring for communities and our focus has been to prioritise working with local businesses and workforce,” Fulton Hogan chief executive officer for infrastructure services Peter Curl said.
“We have also worked closely with the council on several community-focused projects to show our appreciation to the community of Whyalla.”
Upgrade welcomed
Federal Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres stated that the upgrade would inject approximately $4 million directly into the region’s economy.
“It provided welcome construction jobs while drawing on local materials, providing a major boost for the area,” he said.
Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone welcomed the major upgrade for the region.
“The completion of the upgrade ahead of schedule and under budget is also a credit to our council team and Fulton Hogan, who worked together seamlessly, while also delivering benefits for the community,” he said.
The South Australian Government recently established the Whyalla Special Economic Zone for government projects, such as the Whyalla Airport runway upgrade.
“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,” South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
