A A$10m (US$7.5m) upgrade of Townsville Airport on the east coast of Australia has begun with the early demolition work.
The early works will pave the way for the major construction planned to start in June. The works are not expected to affect scheduled flights and are expected to conclude by the end of this year.
Upon completion, the upgrade will create 18,000m² of extra parking space for large aircraft.
Jackie Trad, deputy premier and minister for infrastructure, Queensland government, said, “The Palaszczuk government’s investment in this project is driving economic development and creating jobs in Townsville.
“We are supporting the airport to expand by co-investing A$9m from the Catalyst Infrastructure Program, together with A$1m from Townsville Airport, because we know how important this investment is for North Queensland.”
The Catalyst Infrastructure Program supports important infrastructure by providing interest-free financing to projects that will drive further investment.
Kevin Gill, Townsville airport chief operating officer, commented, “The investment will increase the airport’s ability to facilitate jet aircraft by 33% at peak times, and provide for overflow parking for the airport services precinct.
“It will also support expected uplift in FIFO operations, the recently announced Air Niugini and Tigerair services, and will benefit commercial airline operations and aircraft awaiting maintenance works.”