A $10 million expansion of Townsville Airport has kicked off with early demolition works beginning on an upgrade that will provide 18,000 square metres of extra parking space for large aircraft.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Jackie Trad said the upgrade would drive significant regional growth and create approximately 60 jobs.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s investment in this project is driving economic development and creating jobs in Townsville,” Ms Trad said.

“We are supporting the airport to expand by co-investing $9 million from the Catalyst Infrastructure Program, together with $1 million from Townsville Airport, because we know how important this investment is for North Queensland.”

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said as the gateway to northern Australia, the airport played an important role in encouraging economic uplift.

“The investment will increase the airport’s ability to facilitate jet aircraft by 33 per cent at peak times, and provide for overflow parking for the airport services precinct,” Mr Gill said.

“It will also support expected uplift in FIFO operations, the recently announced Air Niugini and Tigerair services, and benefit commercial airline operations and aircraft awaiting maintenance works.”

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the project would drive the economy and better connect the region.

“By investing additional capacity at the airport we can drive tourism and business growth across the region and build Townsville’s reputation as a transport hub,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

Townsville Mayor Cr Jenny Hill said the expansion would help cement Townsville’s place as northern Australia’s primary transport hub and boost the local economy long-term.

“This is an important time to build future focused infrastructure aimed at creating much needed jobs in the region,” Cr Hill said.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart urged local contractors to sign up for jobs building projects across the region.

“There’s real opportunity here with the major projects coming to Townsville let’s get on-board and enjoy the economic benefits of our region growing,” Mr Stewart said.

“Townsville Airport has made supporting local companies and trades a priority for this project, which is fantastic to see.”

The early works will pave the way for the major civil construction works which are planned to commence in June. The works will be staged to accommodate all scheduled aircraft movements and are expected to conclude in late 2017.

Townsville Airport has awarded the contract for building demolition to locally-owned Core Developments while project management company RCP will use its local staff to undertake the Superintendent role.  

The Catalyst Infrastructure Program supports important infrastructure by providing interest-free financing to projects that will drive further investment. For further information www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/advancing-cities-regions.

Contact: media@qldairports.com.au.

‍