$40m upgrade for Hedland airport

The private owner of Port Hedland International Airport has outlined plans for a $40 million redevelopment of the facility over the next five years.

The upgrades will include an asphalt overlay of the runway, a new taxiway, lighting upgrades and a new terminal building.  

Port Hedland International Airport Group chairman Cheryl Edwardes said significant progress was being made on the project.

“The PHIA Group has been hard at work, behind the scenes, preparing for the transformation of this important community asset,” she said.

“A number of capital projects are under way, and others are in their initial concept, design and planning phases with architects and project managers.”

AMP Capital and Infrastructure Capital Group won a 50-year lease for the airport in 2015 worth $205 million.

Under the agreement the group paid $165 million up-front with a $40 million capital spending commitment over five years.

The group is set to release a draft 20-year masterplan for the airport in the first quarter of the year, which will include more details on the redevelopment.

Town of Portland Mayor Camilo Blanco said the redevelopment would benefit the region as a whole.

“I extend my congratulations to the PHIA Group on the announcement to commence detailed planning for the upgrade of the airport,” he said 

“This project will offer real momentum in providing world-class, modern and seamless connectivity for residents, visitors and our Fifo population.

“Supporting the airport which supports our resources industry and our national economy are top-shelf priorities for the Town of Port Hedland.

“The redevelopment of this asset is also extremely important in our ability to compete as a tourism destination and gateway to the Pilbara.”

The plans for development progressed after the council last month approved a new lease for the Port Haven short-term accommodation village based at the airport.

Mr Blanco said the Port Haven village was strategically placed on airport land to accommodate work crews and to provide a source of sustainable income for the community’s future growth.

“The approval of the new lease has allowed for future upgrades of the airport and provided a substantial revenue stream to Port Hedland for many years to come,” he said

“The council looks forward to working with the PHIA in the New Year to view the plan options and finalise the draft plans.”