• Cessnock Airport will get a makeover thanks to a NSW government grant. (Google Earth image)
    Cessnock Airport will get a makeover thanks to a NSW government grant. (Google Earth image)
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The NSW government announced yesterday that it would provide $6.6 million to upgrade Cessnock Airport under the Growing Local Economies Fund.

Cessnock City Council intends to use the money to reconstruct and extend the runway, widen and reseal taxiways and create parking areas suitable for larger aircraft.

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent said the project critical for local jobs and the economy.

“This project has the potential of creating nearly 60 jobs and will transform this airport into one of the State’s top airports for general aviation."

Cr Pynsent said that the project was expected to inject $32 million into the local economy.

“This is the type of funding we need to see injected into our economy," he said. "Our tourism industry has been hit hard during the last six months. We’re improving the experience for our visitors and increasing our opportunities when it comes to aviation as larger aircraft will be able to use the runway.”

Cessnock airport sits in the lower Hunter Valley west of Maitland and is home to flying schools as well and maintenance organisation and tourists operators including joy flights, helicopter tours and some hot air ballooning. It is also home to the Hunter Valley Airshow, next scheduled for March 2021.

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