Blackall airport upgrade to grow economy

Economic benefits including increased air traffic and transportation are expected to flow from the $1.72 million upgrade of the Blackall airport opened by Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham today.

The terminal upgrade was jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Blackall-Tambo Regional Council with more than $875,000 from the Queensland Government’s regional infrastructure funding program.

Dr Lynham said Blackall airport had been identified as having strategic significance for regional economic growth.

“The upgrade allows for increases in air traffic and transportation, and will play an important role in the economic future of the Blackall region," he said.

“This opening celebrates the completion of three complementary projects—the $1 million purpose-built terminal, a $365,000 upgrade to runway and taxi lighting, and a $443,049 refuelling facility."

The Queensland Government provided $878,701 towards the projects, and an additional $250,000 for new car parking facilities and landscaping from the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.

“The Palaszczuk Government is supporting regional infrastructure development through our $375 million Building our Regions program,” Dr Lynham said.

“Regional communities are the backbone of our economy, and we’ve allocated more than $70 million across 42 projects, attracting a further $158 million investment from local councils and other organisations.

“I congratulate the Blackall-Tambo Council on successfully attracting $262,250 for the Tambo Sawmill infrastructure upgrade, which is already generating much-needed jobs,” he said.

Round 2 of the Building our Regions program has begun, with 63 projects from 40 councils shortlisted for funding.

The announcement of successful Round 2 funding recipients is anticipated in late 2016.

For more information on Building our Regions visit http://statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/buildingourregions

[ENDS]                9 August, 2016

Media contact:                                  John Austin               0428 319 481