The bustling Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport is on the cusp of a transformative $100 million redevelopment, fueled by the soaring popularity of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) work in the region. With an anticipated passenger movement of over 500,000 this financial year, the airport is set to surpass its previous records by more than double. This surge in activity is closely tied to the extended run of record metal prices, which has catalyzed increased mining activity in the city. The local population, estimated at 30,000, is now outnumbered by FIFO workers.
A feasibility study by KPMG has outlined the potential costs and benefits of upgrading the airport infrastructure, including a complete refurbishment of the existing terminal. The airport, built in the 1990s for 100,000 passengers annually, is now facing the need for significant improvements to accommodate the growing demand. The estimated cost of the required work is between $75 million and $100 million, with the upgrades likely to take close to a decade.
The current terminal, constructed in 1992 with additional works in 2022, is in need of a major overhaul. The airport's profitability, driven by record gold prices and charter flights, has reached $16.4 million, with the numbers set to surpass previous forecasts. The proposed development options include a 120-room airport hotel, new access roads, a freight terminal, and a large-scale solar farm. However, the question remains: who will foot the bill for this significant upgrade?
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor Glenn Wilson is eager to hear the findings of the feasibility study, which will be presented to councillors this week. He acknowledges the need for an upgrade but questions the cost and its impact on the community. Former state MP and former mayor John Bowler suggests building a new departure terminal while the existing terminal continues to operate, emphasizing the airport's profitability for the community. Former councillor Nardia Turner advocates for a future-oriented approach, emphasizing the need for an arrival and departures terminal to minimize disruption and ensure the airport is ready for the growing demand.
The debate over who should bear the cost of the upgrade is a complex one, with the state and federal governments, as well as the local community, all having a role to play. As the airport's popularity soars, the need for a comprehensive and well-planned redevelopment becomes increasingly clear. The question remains: who will step up to the challenge and fund the transformation of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport?
