BLIGH MOVES ON WHITSUNDAYS AIRPORT
Published Friday, 10 August, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
August 10, 2007
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh has moved to provide the Whitsundays with crucial infrastructure by calling for expressions of interest from the private sector to develop and manage a domestic airport that can cater for international flights.
Ms Bligh has instructed the Coordinator-General to call for bids from independent operators for an airport that caters for the developing international charter market and provides upgraded domestic facilities.
The move comes after consultants GHD assessed the strategic capability of the competing Proserpine and Laguna Whitsunday airports for the State Government and found both could be upgraded for a similar cost.
"It’s time to make a decision. Every day that goes by without proper airport facilities is a missed opportunity,” Ms Bligh said.
“The focus must be on growing the tourism, mining and horticultural markets. The Whitsunday region has a solid economic base. This process is about capitalising on that with infrastructure that will secure prosperity well into the future.”
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt welcomed a process that offered an appropriate gateway to the region at no cost to taxpayers.
She said the Department of Infrastructure would call for expressions of interest within three weeks.
"The needs of the community will be paramount throughout this process and the outcome will maximise the chance to bring long-term opportunities for this beautiful region of Queensland," she said.
She said the Coordinator General today attended a meeting of the Whitsunday Development Corporation on the issue. "It was a good opportunity for developers and the tourism industry to have their say,” Ms Jarratt said.
More information: Deputy Premier's Office 3224 6900
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt 07 4945 3343
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh has moved to provide the Whitsundays with crucial infrastructure by calling for expressions of interest from the private sector to develop and manage a domestic airport that can cater for international flights.
Ms Bligh has instructed the Coordinator-General to call for bids from independent operators for an airport that caters for the developing international charter market and provides upgraded domestic facilities.
The move comes after consultants GHD assessed the strategic capability of the competing Proserpine and Laguna Whitsunday airports for the State Government and found both could be upgraded for a similar cost.
"It’s time to make a decision. Every day that goes by without proper airport facilities is a missed opportunity,” Ms Bligh said.
“The focus must be on growing the tourism, mining and horticultural markets. The Whitsunday region has a solid economic base. This process is about capitalising on that with infrastructure that will secure prosperity well into the future.”
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt welcomed a process that offered an appropriate gateway to the region at no cost to taxpayers.
She said the Department of Infrastructure would call for expressions of interest within three weeks.
"The needs of the community will be paramount throughout this process and the outcome will maximise the chance to bring long-term opportunities for this beautiful region of Queensland," she said.
She said the Coordinator General today attended a meeting of the Whitsunday Development Corporation on the issue. "It was a good opportunity for developers and the tourism industry to have their say,” Ms Jarratt said.
More information: Deputy Premier's Office 3224 6900
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt 07 4945 3343