Construction has commenced to expand and resurface the apron at Townsville Airport, following the appointment of BMD Constructions to the $10 million project.

The upgrade will provide 18,000 square metres of extra parking space, facilitating two domestic aircraft, and rejuvenate the existing apron surface.

The project is being funded through a $9 million investment from the state government’s Catalyst Infrastructure Program, together with $1 million from Townsville Airport. Demolition works are complete on the site, paving the way for construction work to commence in late October for completion by mid-March, 2018.

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said at peak times the entire apron is at capacity, and occasionally over capacity.

“At these times we rely on Defence land to house aircraft. This project will rejuvenate the existing 28 year old apron surface and provide an additional two domestic sized aircraft parking bays through a combination of both strengthening and remediation works,” he said.

“Townsville Airport is experiencing an exciting phase of growth, and recorded its busiest August on record this year with a 10.4 per cent increase in passengers on 2016.

“This project will support the uplift in FIFO operations through Adani and MMG’s Dugald River mining project, as well as the Air Niugini and Tigerair services that commenced this year.

“We are pleased to have engaged BMD Constructions which has significant experience delivering major infrastructure projects nationally, including airport upgrades, and will use its North Queensland workforce to undertake the project.”

The project will employ 44 staff, with 35 from Townsville, seven from Cairns and two from Brisbane. BMD Group Executive Director – Operations Scott Power said BMD Constructions was proud to work with Townsville Airport to deliver the important infrastructure upgrade project.

“BMD Constructions has extensive experience working in a number of Australia’s airports and we specialise in the construction of projects in live, operational environments,” he said.

“Having been established in Townsville for more than 22 years, we have local teams highly experienced in the delivery of complex projects through innovative engineering solutions and an uncompromised commitment to safety and excellence.

“We look forward to delivering a successful upgrade through close collaboration with Townsville Airport.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad said the expansion would boost economic growth in Townsville and across North Queensland.

“This project is a wonderful demonstration of state and local government working with private industry to drive business growth,” she said.

“This will be a catalyst for the future growth of specialist aviation industrial jobs in Townsville and I congratulate Townsville Airport and BMD Constructions on their commitment to support local jobs in the community.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the upgraded airport would be a boon for the local community.

“This is a fantastic project for our local community that will support jobs, growth and tourism – and that’s just the start,” he said.

“This expansion of the airport is one of our priority projects and part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to drive economic growth in Townsville.”

Townsville-owned Core Developments has completed the demolition work onsite, while project management company RCP has employed local staff to undertake the Superintendent role.

Townsville Airport is owned and operated by Queensland Airports Limited (QAL), a regional airport specialist which also operates Gold Coast, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

Contact: media@qldairports.com.au.

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