The official opening of the Robert Wilson Terminal and the completed upgrades to the Parkes Regional Airport took place on Thursday morning at 8.30am. More than 100 dignitaries and special guests were present on the day, including Federal Member for the Riverina Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Parkes Shire Councillors and Robert Wilson’s wife and family members.
The upgrade to the Terminal is part of the $3 million redevelopment of Parkes Regional Airport which is jointly being funded by Parkes Shire Council and the Australian Government, through their Community Development Grants Programme and the New South Wales Government Community Partnership Grant. The project included replacing the existing runway lighting, terminal refurbishment and expansion for security readiness, additional car parking infrastructure and technology improvements.
The Parkes Regional Airport is located five kilometres east of Parkes and is serviced by Regional Express (REX) which provides regular passenger services between Parkes and Sydney. REX transports around 35,000 passengers annually and is vital for connecting the Central West with larger cities.