Newman Airport Redevelopment

Aviation and regional airports play a pivotal role in the State’s economic and social development. Investment in new (and existing) aviation infrastructure is required by government and industry to ensure FIFO workforces can get to their place of employment. Transporting mining workforces and enabling accessibility to worksites is crucial to the sustainable development of the resources industry across Australia. There has been a dramatic impact on levels of aviation activity by FIFO workforces, especially in the Pilbara where the airports at Karratha, Port Hedland and Newman have consistently been among the fastest growing airports in Australia for the past decade.

With the State’s economy and population growing at rates roughly double the national average, demand for air services in Western Australia has experienced extraordinary growth placing a greater strain on our airport’s capacity to match demand. It has been a challenge for major airports in WA to keep pace with the demand in growth, leading to shortfalls in airport capacity. These shortcomings have affected productivity around the state.

Aviation services that meet the demands of the mining and resources sector are critical for sustaining both Western Australia and the Pilbara Region. The Newman airport in 2024 is reaching its capacity, in terms of aircraft operations, passenger arrivals and departures and sustainability of airport infrastructure. As mining operations expand and develop across the Pilbara, Regional Development Australia has identified Newman Airport as a ‘Priority Investment Opportunity. Failure to make timely upgrades of runways, tarmacs and a re-development of the airport terminal will impose limits and constraints on growth to economic activities across the Pilbara.

Newman Airport Terminal Project 2030

The Shire’s vision is to provide a purpose-built functional building, with spaces that meet the needs of the airport users including passengers, residents, visitors and airport tenants and staff. The Airport Terminal design is an innovative, contemporary, functional and flexible to enhance the current Airport Precinct Masterplan. The Airport Revitalisation concept will be able to provide service to over 4 aircraft and 750 people arriving and departing Newman at any given time. The concept adheres to all airport security compliance and requirements and considers the design concept climatic conditions of the East Pilbara.

Traditional Owners Engagement

The Airport Terminal design will be welcoming to the entire community, presenting as an Entry Statement to Newman, and be considerate of the Traditional Owners the Nyiyaparli People.

The Airport Terminal design will reflect the story of ‘Truth Telling’. A traditional owner’s story telling of arrival and departure on country. A reflection of dreamtime reflected in realism and then incorporated in the design.

The Airport Terminal design will have a focus on efficiencies, reduction of operating cost and use of technology to connect. Ongoing maintenance shall also be a consideration of the design, with an emphasis on the durability and adequacy of materials, plant and equipment and remote area servicing and support from contractors.