Cloncurry airport amenities receive vital upgrade

Published Thursday, 15 May, 2014 at 11:00 AM

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

The Western Queensland town of Cloncurry will receive a new airport apron and taxiway to cater for local residents and a growing number of workers through Round 3 of the Royalties for the Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Queensland Government had committed $800,000 to a $1 million upgrade of the airport, delivering on the election promise to deliver better infrastructure and planning.

“Cloncurry is fast becoming a hub for regional resource industry projects and the current infrastructure is no longer adequate for the larger, heavier aircraft and increased passenger numbers,” Mr Seeney said.

“Upgrading the apron and taxiway at the airport will improve services for the local community, visitors and resource sector workers.

“Investing in regional transport infrastructure such as this is an important part of growing economic development in regional Queensland and building the resource pillar of the Queensland economy. 

“Labor ignored regional Queensland while in government and is a Party with no position now, but we have a plan to deliver better infrastructure and better planning that will help communities grow and prepare for the future.

Royalties for the Regions is doing that.” 

Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor Andrew Daniels said he was grateful for the Royalties for the Regions funding.

“Cloncurry local government area is a valuable contributor to the Queensland economy and I’m pleased to see this acknowledged through the Royalties for the Regions program,” Mr Daniels said.

“The $800,000 for the Cloncurry Airport upgrade recognises the $119 million of royalties generated as a result of resource activity in the Shire.

“I believe this figure will rise as Cloncurry continues to experience sustained growth.”

The Queensland Government will finalise other successful Royalties for the Regions Round 3 applications in coming weeks with more than 23 council projects expected to share in this round’s allocations.

To date more than 39 councils across Queensland have received over $250 million funding through the program, delivering more than 235 kilometres of road upgrades, community infrastructure and flood mitigation projects. For more information visit http://www.qld.gov.au/royalties

[ENDS] 15 May 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744
Cloncurry Shire Council – 4742 4100