Shire of East Pilbara mulls $120m plan to turn Newman Airport into Pilbara freight and logistics hub

Newman Airport could be transformed into the Pilbara’s freight and logistics hub after the Shire of East Pilbara was presented with a five-year master plan. The draft document was expected to be endorsed by Shire of East Pilbara councillors at their ordinary meeting last week. Plans to upgrade the airport began two years ago, when councillors approved the appointment of consulting firm JJ Ryan to deliver the draft document at a cost of $99,915. The master plan includes a terminal expansion which would increase check-in and security area, allowing for an increase in the volume of passengers, and would incorporate the enclosure of the baggage collection area. A new 2700m runway would also be constructed, as well as a further 1500 car bays. The plan would also see a new general aviation apron and helicopter operations precinct built to make room for charter facilities. The master plan by JJ Ryan stated the estimated cost for the total project would be $119,247,000, with the terminal upgrade costing an estimated $62 million. At the April ordinary meeting, councillors were presented a staged rollout plan based on five and 10-year proposals. A Shire officers’ report stated the council’s indication was to move forward with the five-year rollout plan to gain the advantage of the current high iron ore prices. The rollout would see the intersection upgrades and other ground works begin in the 2021-22 financial year, while the main carpark expansion and water upgrades would not begin until the following financial year. The terminal upgrade and taxiway construction would begin in 2023-25. The Shire of East Pilbara was contacted for comment.