Milne Bay Governor Hon. Gordon Wesley says the upgraded Gurney Airport represents the beginning of a new era of connectivity, economic growth and prosperity for the province.
Speaking during the official opening of the airport upgrade on Friday, Governor Wesley said the modern terminal, upgraded runway and associated facilities would strengthen Milne Bay’s links with the rest of Papua New Guinea and the world.
“This is not merely the opening of a building or the sealing of a runway,” he said.
“Today, we are witnessing the rebirth of a gateway—a gateway that connects the people of Milne Bay to the world, and the world to the magical shores of our province.
“This event marks a new chapter in our journey towards progress, connectivity and prosperity.”
Governor Wesley commended Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and the Marape-Rosso Government for ensuring that Milne Bay was included in the development of Papua New Guinea’s national transport infrastructure.
“It is the vision of this Government to connect Papua New Guinea, and we in Milne Bay are witnessing that vision become a reality,” he said.
“While the road connecting Milne Bay with Central Province and Port Moresby is progressing, this airport upgrade is the air-link counterpart to that national ambition.
“We thank you, Prime Minister, for ensuring that Milne Bay is not left behind.”
Governor Wesley said the upgraded airport should become an aviation hub connecting Alotau with Milne Bay’s remote island communities and extensive hinterlands.
He called for regulatory compliance and certification work at Losuia Airport in the Trobriand Islands, Misima Airport and Guasopa Airport on Woodlark Island to be expedited.
“Gurney Airport, with its new capacity, can now be best utilised as a feeder airport to our island districts and communities,” he said.
“We need these district airstrips to be certified and operational so that our people in the outer islands can share in the benefits of this upgrade.”
Governor Wesley said the improved airport should encourage aviation operators to expand their services to district airstrips throughout the province.
“We must utilise this airport to bring government services, health, education and economic opportunities to the far and wide areas of our province,” he said.
He said Gurney Airport’s capacity to accommodate future international services would also open new opportunities for tourism and trade.
The Milne Bay Provincial Government, he said, remained committed to working with the National Airports Corporation through a memorandum of agreement covering routine maintenance and the upkeep of the airport’s landside facilities.
The provincial government was also prepared to participate in aviation search-and-rescue operations and explore commercial opportunities within the new terminal and airport precinct.
“This will create local economic spin-offs, and we look forward to exploring these opportunities,” Governor Wesley said.
He paid tribute to Gurney Airport’s customary landowners and surrounding communities for making their land available for the benefit of Milne Bay and Papua New Guinea.
“This magnificent terminal and these upgraded facilities stand on your land, and they stand as a testimony to your goodwill, patience and partnership with the State,” he said.
“We will ensure that the benefits of this development reach your communities.”
Governor Wesley also acknowledged Civil Aviation Minister Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa, the Asian Development Bank, the National Airports Corporation, the CADIP II project team, contractor China Railway Construction Engineering Group and the government agencies involved in delivering the project.
He described the partnership between the Government, ADB and NAC as a model for delivering important national infrastructure.
Governor Wesley said the airport opening should be viewed as the beginning, rather than the completion, of Milne Bay’s aviation and economic development.
“As we cut the ribbon today, let us remember that this is not the end,” he said.
“It is the beginning of a new era of connectivity, prosperity and growth for the people of Milne Bay Province.”