ADVANCING THE WHITSUNDAY AIRPORT
Published Friday, 07 September, 2007 at 02:37 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
September 7, 2007
The Beattie Government has moved to secure the Whitsunday region’s place as one of the world’s most enviable tourism destinations by formally inviting companies to lodge plans to improve domestic airport services and introduce direct international air access to the area.
As from today, Expression of Interest documents for the project may be obtained by registering and downloading them from the Department of Infrastructure’s website http://www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au
Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh said prospective developers had until November 12 to signify their interest and the successful bidder would be announced by the end of the year.
The EOIs will cover upgrading and management of airport infrastructure at either the Proserpine Whitsunday Coast Airport or the proposed Laguna Whitsunday Airport, 15 km south of Proserpine
”International tourism is booming in Queensland _ the latest figures show international visitor nights are running at 35.7 million nights a year, a 12% increase on last year,’’ Ms Bligh said.
“”We need to move decisively to ensure the Whitsundays is best placed to take advantage of this surge in global interest in what Queensland has to offer. Improved airport facilities are critical to the region’s economic development.’’
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the upgraded airport would cater for both international charter flights and the region’s growing domestic market. Developers must submit proposals that can be achieved at no cost to taxpayers.
“”The latest International Visitor Survey found that in the year to June, overseas visitors spent $115 million in the Whitsunday region,’’ Ms Jarratt said.
“”They spent nearly 1.3 million visitor nights in the Whitsundays, with an average stay of six nights.’’
She said the new facility would service not only the growing tourism market but also local mining, horticultural, business and community interests.
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900; Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt 4945 3343
The Beattie Government has moved to secure the Whitsunday region’s place as one of the world’s most enviable tourism destinations by formally inviting companies to lodge plans to improve domestic airport services and introduce direct international air access to the area.
As from today, Expression of Interest documents for the project may be obtained by registering and downloading them from the Department of Infrastructure’s website http://www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au
Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh said prospective developers had until November 12 to signify their interest and the successful bidder would be announced by the end of the year.
The EOIs will cover upgrading and management of airport infrastructure at either the Proserpine Whitsunday Coast Airport or the proposed Laguna Whitsunday Airport, 15 km south of Proserpine
”International tourism is booming in Queensland _ the latest figures show international visitor nights are running at 35.7 million nights a year, a 12% increase on last year,’’ Ms Bligh said.
“”We need to move decisively to ensure the Whitsundays is best placed to take advantage of this surge in global interest in what Queensland has to offer. Improved airport facilities are critical to the region’s economic development.’’
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the upgraded airport would cater for both international charter flights and the region’s growing domestic market. Developers must submit proposals that can be achieved at no cost to taxpayers.
“”The latest International Visitor Survey found that in the year to June, overseas visitors spent $115 million in the Whitsunday region,’’ Ms Jarratt said.
“”They spent nearly 1.3 million visitor nights in the Whitsundays, with an average stay of six nights.’’
She said the new facility would service not only the growing tourism market but also local mining, horticultural, business and community interests.
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900; Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt 4945 3343