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Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport Plans $100 Million Redevelopment Amid FIFO-Driven Passenger Boom

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Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport Eyes $100 Million Redevelopment Amidst FIFO Boom

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport in regional Western Australia is considering a potential $100 million redevelopment due to a significant increase in fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) work. The airport, located 600 kilometers east of Perth, is on track to surpass 500,000 passenger movements for the first time this financial year.

This figure is more than double that of a decade ago, highlighting the dramatic increase in demand for airport services.

Surging Passenger Numbers Driven by Mining Activity

The substantial growth in passenger traffic is attributed to extended record metal prices, which are driving increased mining activity in the region. FIFO workers are now estimated to outnumber the 30,000 local residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Redevelopment Scope and Cost Estimates

A feasibility study conducted by KPMG has investigated and estimated the costs for upgrading the airport infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand. This includes a complete refurbishment of the existing terminal, which was originally constructed in the 1990s for a significantly lower passenger volume.

Previous estimates for the necessary work ranged from $75 million to $100 million, with upgrades potentially spanning close to a decade.

Key Proposed Development Options

The proposed development options are extensive and aim to modernize the airport's facilities for future growth. These include:

  • A 120-room airport hotel
  • New access roads
  • A dedicated freight terminal
  • A large-scale solar farm
  • The construction of separate arrivals and departures terminals

Debate Over Funding Contributions

The significant projected cost of the project has prompted questions regarding its funding. Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor Glenn Wilson has publicly questioned the extent to which ratepayers should fund such a large project.

Former local officials, including former state MP John Bowler and former councillor Nardia Turner, have suggested that state and federal governments should contribute to the infrastructure upgrade.