$1.8M Bedourie Airport upgrade brings new era
Published Tuesday, 16 September, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
The $1.8 million upgrade of Bedourie Airport has launched a new era for air transport services in the far west of Queensland.
Minister for Transport, John Mickel, in Bedourie today to open the upgraded airport, said the airstrip improvements would bring the biggest improvement in transport services the region has seen since Cobb and Co coaches first rolled into the district in the 1880s.
“The improvements were made primarily to allow for 24-hour, all weather access to the region for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, he said
“Importantly, it has also made it possible for MacAir to introduce new SAAB 340B 34-seat aircraft, providing greater capacity, comfort and reliability and cutting travel times to the coast and Mount Isa.
“It’s brought the far west much closer to the South East, and will be a major boost to tourism in this fascinating part of Queensland,” Mr Mickel said.
The Minister said the improvements were brought about by the Queensland Government and Diamantina Shire Council working in partnership.
The Government, through the Regional Airport Development Scheme (RADS), contributed 50% of funding – or $903,000. The remaining 50% was funded by Diamantina Shire Council.
“The airport runway was lengthened from 1500 metres to 1800 metres, allowing MacAir to operate their SAAB 340B 34 seat aircraft at full capacity at Bedourie. With MacAir looking to introduce the SAAB aircraft service from late next month,” Mr Mickel said.
“The upgrade involved lengthening, strengthening and resealing the runway, upgrading lighting and new line marking, which enabled the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to certify that the airport can now be used by aircraft with 30 or more seats.
“Construction started in April 2008. While the work was underway, Bedourie residents had continued access to air services via Birdsville or Boulia airports, with a bus service to and from provided by the Diamantina Shire Council.
“The council also worked with the Royal Flying Doctor Service to ensure residents had continued access to emergency medical services,” Mr Mickel said.
Media contact: Jane Rowe: 3237 1944
September 16th, 2008
Minister for Transport, John Mickel, in Bedourie today to open the upgraded airport, said the airstrip improvements would bring the biggest improvement in transport services the region has seen since Cobb and Co coaches first rolled into the district in the 1880s.
“The improvements were made primarily to allow for 24-hour, all weather access to the region for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, he said
“Importantly, it has also made it possible for MacAir to introduce new SAAB 340B 34-seat aircraft, providing greater capacity, comfort and reliability and cutting travel times to the coast and Mount Isa.
“It’s brought the far west much closer to the South East, and will be a major boost to tourism in this fascinating part of Queensland,” Mr Mickel said.
The Minister said the improvements were brought about by the Queensland Government and Diamantina Shire Council working in partnership.
The Government, through the Regional Airport Development Scheme (RADS), contributed 50% of funding – or $903,000. The remaining 50% was funded by Diamantina Shire Council.
“The airport runway was lengthened from 1500 metres to 1800 metres, allowing MacAir to operate their SAAB 340B 34 seat aircraft at full capacity at Bedourie. With MacAir looking to introduce the SAAB aircraft service from late next month,” Mr Mickel said.
“The upgrade involved lengthening, strengthening and resealing the runway, upgrading lighting and new line marking, which enabled the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to certify that the airport can now be used by aircraft with 30 or more seats.
“Construction started in April 2008. While the work was underway, Bedourie residents had continued access to air services via Birdsville or Boulia airports, with a bus service to and from provided by the Diamantina Shire Council.
“The council also worked with the Royal Flying Doctor Service to ensure residents had continued access to emergency medical services,” Mr Mickel said.
Media contact: Jane Rowe: 3237 1944
September 16th, 2008