Catalyst funding delivers upgraded Townsville Airport apron

A $10 million upgrade to expand and resurface the 28-year old Townsville Airport apron is now complete, signalling the next exciting phase of growth for Australia’s fastest growing airport.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the apron rejuvenation and expansion will boost economic growth not only in Townsville but across North Queensland.

“This project is a great example of government working with private industry to drive business growth,” Mr Dick said.

“The 18,000 square metres of apron expansion will deliver space for two parking bays for the largest aircraft currently operating at Townsville Airport and is expected to provide up to 33 per cent more capacity at peak times.

“BMD Construction was appointed to complete the project which was jointly funded by $1 million from Townsville Airport and $9 million under the Palaszczuk Government’s Catalyst Infrastructure Program (CIP).”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the interest-free catalyst funding will be repaid by Townsville Airport over a 10-year period commencing 2019.

“The CIP funding is consistent with the government’s commitment to capturing economic uplift and supporting jobs. More than 40 jobs were supported during the expansion works”, Mr Stewart said.

“Improving the capacity of Townsville airport will drive benefits not only for the airport, but for the region as a whole.”

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said the expanded apron would help meet growing passenger demand. 

“The airport recorded more than 14 per cent growth in passenger numbers in March, which was our tenth consecutive month of growth,” Mr Gill said.

“This apron expansion will benefit both commercial airlines and the adjacent Northern Australian Aerospace Centre of Excellence (NAACEX) industrial park, making it a catalyst for the future growth of specialist aviation industrial jobs in Townsville.

“To date Townsville Airport has invested $50 million in developing NAACEX, which is home to industrial and specialist aviation businesses, including aircraft painter Flying Colours.”

ENDS

Media contact:          Catherine Palmer, 0424 823 424