Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack (and Acting Prime Minister) flew into Merimbula to officially open the upgraded airport terminal and the new Merimbula Visitor Centre but there was a lively crowd of protesters ready to greet him at the airport keen to have their voices heard on climate change.
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Things became sufficiently lively during the unveiling of the official plaque on Wednesday, December 18, and several protesters were forcibly removed from the area.
There were shouts of protest over lack of recognition of the effects of climate change and the escalating fire situation in NSW particularly.
Mr McCormack was asked about RFS volunteer concerns and said that the federal government had provided more resources having given $11m for aerial fire fighting measures.
"We are beset with fires and drought and Christmas will be tough for some who have lost everything and others who have lost loved ones but we'll get through this, we're a resilient lot, we always do get through," Mr McCormack said.
In speaking about the airport upgrades he said that Merimbula Airport would now be able to service more passengers and a wider range of passenger aircraft.
He was asked what role the federal government could play in bringing other airlines to the region.
"It is up to Rex and other airlines whether they decide to extend their number of routes here or decide to come here in the first place," Mr McCormack said.
"They are commercial decisions but at the end of the day build it and they will come. The local council believes they can attract more flights and wouldn't have spent this amount of money if they didn't.
"They do analysis with tourism numbers and talk with regional airlines. There is the potential to grow numbers and the federal government does not contribute $1.2m to a terminal upgrade if we don't think there's a future for that terminal to be used more extensively," Mr McCormack said.
"An estimated 60,000 travellers will use this upgraded terminal every year, making Merimbula Airport a gateway for professional and recreational visitors to the South Coast, including specialist healthcare personnel working with the South East Regional Hospital in Bega," Senator Molan said.
Bega Valley Shire Council mayor Kristy McBain said it was fantastic to see the travelling public enjoying the added comfort and improved facilities the new terminal has brought.
"The airport user groups played a key role in the development of the plans and STEA Astute Architecture and Joss Constructions have done a tremendous job in turning the vision into reality," Cr McBain said.
"We now have a modern and appealing gateway to our shire to welcome all those travelling here by air."
The $4.4 million upgrade was jointly funded with the federal Liberal and Nationals Government investing $1.2 million and Bega Valley Shire Council investing $3.2 million.
The original cost was thought to be covered by the $1.2m provided by the federal government and the matching $1.2m from council. The funding source for the extra $2m has yet to be clarified by council.
