THE $80 million future expansion of Newcastle Airport is one step closer after the Department of Defence formally committed to a $7.5-million funding contribution for a Hunter Water pipeline.
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In order for the airport expansion to take place, Hunter Water has to build a $17-million wastewater transfer scheme to cope with the expected increase in demand made by annual airport passenger numbers from 2 million to 5 million.
A key part of the pipeline was a decision by Williamtown RAAF, for the first time, to connect to Hunter Water's sewerage system. At the moment it operates its own sewerage system.
The discussions between Hunter Water and the Department of Defence has been ongoing for three years.
Hunter Water's managing director, Kim Wood, said the work was crucial for Newcastle Airport's expansion.
"The Lower Hunter Regional Strategy identified several employment opportunities in the area, including the Newcastle Airport expansion," he said.
"The Williamtown Waste Water Transfer Scheme will not only stimulate employment and support growth, but is a key step in the airport expansion and other commercial developments in the Tomago commercial area.
"The 14-kilometre pipeline is part of a $52.5-million infrastructure program Hunter Water has undertaken on maintaining and upgrading Port Stephens' water and wastewater systems over the past two years alone," he said.
Construction is now under way on the pipeline , connecting customers at Williamtown to the Raymond Terrace Waste Water Treatment Plant.
The Williamtown Waste Water Transfer scheme is due to be completed in December 2013.
