$14m upgrade for airport

Broome International Airport has announced one of the biggest investments in its history - a $14 million runway resurfacing project.

Airport chief executive Nick Belyea said a specialist crew of approximately 50 people would be involved.

"We'll employ local Broome residents where possible in sub-contract work," he said.

"The crew will stay in Broome for the duration of the project bringing benefits in terms of accommodation, food, beverages, transport and materials."

Mr Belyea said the top layer of the entire 2463m length of the asphalt strip would be replaced in October and November on what he described as "Broome's most important street".

He said the airport housed a world-class $12 million heliport complex and would be home to the proposed $20 million Royal Flying Doctor Service transfer station.

BIA is spending $5 million to upgrade the terminals and runway lighting.

"These are clear indications the airport is a major business in the town, helping to drive investment and support other businesses in town, including tourism," Mr Belyea said.

He said it put paid to rumours that have been floating around the town for decades the airport was on the verge of relocation.

"When this sort of investment is made, the airport will not be shifting anywhere soon although it is important the future airport is secured because of the long- term planning requirements for Broome."

Mr Belyea questioned a recent Shire of Broome survey, which claimed the top priority was to relocate and upgrade the airport.

"I received this with dismay as the surveys we do twice a year of Broome residents and other visitors clearly indicate that 75 to 80 per cent of people want the airport to remain where it is," he said.

"Many people find the airport a tourism attraction in its own right because of its proximity to the town and the excitement of watching aircraft taking off and landing over the town."

Mr Belyea said the airport would remain in its location until it was "unable to meet the aviation requirement of the town and the Kimberley".

"It is a gateway airport," he said.

Mr Belyea said the resurfacing work would be done at night to allow normal airport operations in the day and to minimise any disturbance to local residents.

"Truck drivers will avoid using air compression brakes to keep noise to a minimum," he said.

"It's similar to the night roadworks we often see on standard road maintenance," Mr Belyea said.

The Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed news of the runway resurfacing, saying it would add confidence to the tourism and business community with reassurance the airport is remaining in its location and ready for increased business.

"We are glad that local contractors will be employed and provide some stimulus into the economy at a traditional quieter period," executive officer Maryanne Petersen said.

"I am sure all residents and business will tolerate some minor disruption to see this important work completed.

"We also look forward to some terminal upgrades to capacity, particularly in the departures area which can become overcrowded in the peak season."

National company Tropic Ashpalt, which recently completed a similar project at Hobart Airport, has been contracted to do the work.

The RFDS will continue to have 24-hour airport access throughout the project.

Work is set to start on October 14 with completion around the end of November.