Pitt announces $2 million for Emerald airport upgrade
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt today announced the Queensland Government would provide $2 million for a major upgrade of the Emerald airport to cater for an expected population and tourism boom. Mr Pitt said the government would provide the funding under the Blueprint for the Bush’s Rural Living Infrastructure Program.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Local Government Minister Warren Pitt today announced the Queensland Government would provide $2 million for a major upgrade of the Emerald airport to cater for an expected population and tourism boom.
Mr Pitt said the government would provide the funding under the Blueprint for the Bush’s Rural Living Infrastructure Program.
He made the announcement in Emerald today as part of a two-day trip to central and south-west Queensland with Blueprint for the Bush executive partner, Agforce president Peter Kenny.
“The Emerald airport upgrade is likely to provide a significant boost to the region as it is expected to inject up to $44 million into the local economy,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Central Highlands region is experiencing significant growth, with the number of households in the area expected to increase by 4000 in the next 20 years.
“Major commercial and community projects are also planned for the region including the expansion of the coal mining industry. Combined with population growth, this has led to the need to expand the airport and its services.
“We have seen passenger numbers through Emerald airport increase by about 30 percent each year for the past three years, and this upgrade will ensure that the airport can accommodate more than 140,000 passengers annually.”
Mr Pitt said the upgrade would allow commercial jets to land in Emerald, which would provide more accessibility for Central Highlands’ residents, business travellers and tourists.
“The airport upgrade includes expanding the terminal, implementing additional security such as baggage screening and passenger metal detection, building extra hangars, and resealing and strengthening the runway,” he said.
“The terminal itself will be upgraded to ensure the smooth flow of passengers entering and leaving the airport, with new reception areas and various businesses and services to be located within the terminal.”
Mr Pitt said the airport upgrade would enhance the region’s prosperity.
“Not only do air services play an important part in travel, they also boost rural and remote communities by bringing business in,” he said.
“We will see more business travellers due to more flexibility in flight times, and residents will have more affordable travel and a wider choice of destinations.
“The tourist potential will also increase with people able to go on fly-drive holidays to some of the region’s best attractions such as Carnarvon Gorge, or having a weekend escape to the Gemfields.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Emerald and a significant investment in air travel in regional Queensland.”
Mr Pitt said Emerald Shire Council would match the Queensland Government’s contribution and the Commonwealth Government would also be approached to help with funding.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
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