Whitsunday Coast Airport Update

_{20 April, 2010}

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Whitsunday Coast Airport upgrade to add another special touch to paradise
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the State Government was working in close partnership with Whitsunday Regional Council to progress the $7 million upgrade to the existing passenger terminal building at the Whitsunday Coast Airport.
“This State Government commitment will ensure frequent flyers and visitors to the Whitsunday region have a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience,” Ms Jarratt said.
“The Whitsundays is renowned worldwide as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the terminal upgrade will improve the airport’s appearance, functionality and passenger comfort, which is great news for tourism in the Whitsundays.”

Ms Jarratt said key features included:
• additional floor space in the departure lounge, check in area and baggage claim area
• an upgraded baggage claim carousel inside the terminal building
• relocation and refurbishment of the cafeteria, check-in and security screening areas and the arrivals area
• relocation and refurbishment of airport offices
• customs and quarantine facilities to allow for the potential introduction of a limited international carriers in the future.
“The state government and council have also consulted the terminal’s lease-holders and aircraft carriers to scope out the works and design of the terminal,” Ms Jarratt said.
“In March, the Bligh Government engaged an architectural firm to develop a detailed design.
“After this detailed design is completed, the state government will go to tender in June 2010, to select a constructor for the refurbishment and extension works.”
Ms Jarratt said the refurbishment works were scheduled to commence in July 2010 and be completed by the end of December 2010.
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning is managing the terminal upgrade.
Ms Jarratt said construction works within and around the existing terminal would be staged to minimise the disruption to passengers and airport users during airport operating hours of 1 pm to 7 pm. 

“The works will cause short term impacts on terminal operations with the staged demolition and relocation of the functional areas within the terminal. However, the ultimate outcome will be an enhanced travelling experience and gateway to the region well beyond the six-month construction timeline,” she said.

Further information visit www.dip.qld.gov.au/projects.

Media contact:

Jan Jarratt

4945 3343

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