EVALUATION BEGINS ON WHITSUNDAY AIRPORT BID

A rigorous evaluation process will begin after the close of tenders to build a new Whitsunday Airport.

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said the Department of Infrastructure and Planning received a tender from Laguna Whitsunday Brisbane Airport Corporation Consortium and two other shortlisted consortia dropped out.

“I'm absolutely committed to making sure the Whitsundays gets the world-class regional airport it deserves,” said Mr Lucas.

“I would have liked to see more tenders but this is no surprise in the midst of a global economic crisis.

“But I don't care if its one bid or a hundred, it will go through the most rigorous assessment to make sure we get the best outcome for the Whitsundays.

“Like any tender, if it doesn’t stack up it will be rejected. If it stacks up, and delivers for the community, it will be accepted.

“This is about making sure the Whitsundays gets the world-class regional airport it deserves to really boost the tourism dollars coming in and get the jobs flowing.

“Let’s be clear, this consortium has some serious weight behind it, it has the experience to really take on the airlines and get the Whitsundays pumping.

“Not only does Brisbane Airport Corporation run one of Australia’s prime airports, its ultimate shareholders include Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – one of the greatest airports in the world.”

The tender requirements included:

• Immediate short-term upgrades to the Whitsunday Coast Airport, starting in the first quarter of 2010 and to be finished that year.

• Construction of new airport to start mid 2010 and finish by the end of 2011.

The Department of Infrastructure and Planning will now begin the tender evaluation process, which is likely to be completed in May 2009.