The project edged out the other finalists to win the Asset Management and Infrastructure Initiatives Award for projects over $1.5 million at the 2020 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council group manager commercial business units Ashley Grummitt said the council was delighted that the project was recognised as the award winner.

"The $10 million project provides a quality experience for passengers from arrival through to departure, creating a lasting impression for visitors to our region, and a building that reflects Port Macquarie as a contemporary regional city," he said.

The airport terminal building upgrade included an expanded departure lounge, new cafe, updated passenger screening area, accessible amenities, car rental zone, ducted air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, extended passenger check-in area and new baggage claim carousel.

The NSW Local Government Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievements, while promoting innovation and continuous improvement within local government.

Mr Grummitt said the award built on the council's reputation as a progressive council in NSW as recognised by winning the 2017 AR Bluett Memorial Award.

"The Local Government Excellence Award is a fitting acknowledgement of the skills and experience of council staff involved in delivering the project for our community," he said.

Other finalists in the category included projects from an industrial estate upgrade to town centre urban renewal, a library and international stadium upgrade.

Mr Grummitt said each year, the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards attracted a very high calibre of project submissions from across the state.

"To be acknowledged as the winner is an outstanding achievement for council and our community," he said.

The Port Macquarie Airport terminal building upgrade was a collaborative project delivered by the council in conjunction with state government and federal government funding partners.

Mr Grummitt said the building was designed with the council's vision "creating a vibrant future" and "customer-centred" focus in mind.

He said the award submission highlighted the council's approach to partnering with the construction contractor AW Edwards and airport, airline, security, cafe and car rental staff, who worked together throughout the project to proactively plan for changes in the delivery of services to passengers during the works.

The project was delivered ahead of schedule.

What else is making news, sport?

While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here