“Get on with it” - Whitsunday international airport: Bligh

Joint statement

An international airport in the Whitsundays was critical for that region’s future development, Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh told State Parliament this morning.

In response to a question from Jan Jarratt, the Member for Whitsunday, Ms Bligh said that critical to the government’s vision for the Whitsunday’s strategic development was upgraded airport infrastructure with international air access.

Ms Bligh said that a new gateway would be a true regional facility with the capacity to service local mining, horticultural, business and community interests as well as the tourism industry.

“The State Government believes that continued strong growth in domestic passenger numbers and the provision of international air access to the Whitsundays will be a key element underpinning future investment in, and the economic growth of, the region.

She said that the Government believed that in turn this would also lead to further reinforcement of the Whitsundays as a tourist destination of international significance.

“Current indications suggest that the proposed new Laguna Whitsundays Airport offers the greatest potential to satisfy the objective of upgraded aviation infrastructure.

Ms Bligh said that Members (of Parliament) would be aware that the development of the airport has languished with a prolonged impasse between the Whitsunday Shire Council and developers.

“The impasse is clearly not in the best interests of the region and the State Government has a responsibility to play an active role in resolving the outstanding issues and progressing the project.

Ms Bligh told the Parliament that she has asked theCoordinator-General to meet with the Mayor of the Whitsunday Shire Council and other key stakeholders to progress the project as quickly as possible.

“The Government will be keen to ensure that at the time the Laguna Whitsundays Airport becomes the principal gateway for air access to the region, the legitimate interests of the Whitsunday Shire Council are protected and that alternative future uses for the Whitsunday Coast Airport, which will be of long-term benefit to the Shire and its residents, are found.

“It is envisaged that the new international and domestic airport would be managed by an independent operator for the benefit of the whole region.”

Ms Bligh called on all parties to put the interests of the region first and resolve any wrangles and not to be tied up in court using ratepayers money.

Media Contact: Deputy Premier’s Office – 3224 6900