 |
 |
Press Release
Work Starts on Launceston Airport's $20mil Upgrade
30 May 2008
The Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, today officially marked the beginning of work on a $20 million upgrade of Launceston Airport that will introduce checked baggage x-ray systems, more retail space and a new-look terminal building.
Turning the first sod at the airport today, Ms O’Byrne said the redevelopment came after what had been an extremely successful year for the airport.
“Last October, the Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, welcomed the one millionth passenger through Launceston Airport within a single year.
“Just a month later, the Airport became the first in the State – and one of the first in the country – to receive flights from the Singapore-based low-cost airline, Tiger Airways.
“And in a trifecta of big wins for Launceston Airport in 2007, December saw a record 100,000 passengers through the airport in a single month.
Ms O’Byrne said there has been no slowing down at the airport in 2008.
“Passenger numbers are up 15 per cent for the March quarter on the same period last year – that’s over 300,000 passengers already this year.
“The growth of this Airport has been astounding and the redevelopment is a timely response to the increased demands on airport services and infrastructure,” she said.
The $20 million redevelopment will provide for spacious check-in and baggage claim areas, new secure departure lounges, upgraded x-ray screening system for checked baggage, and more retail space.
Ms O’Byrne said Tourism Tasmania’s success in marketing Tasmania interstate as a holiday destination, particularly the diversity of its regional experiences, has delivered a steady stream of visitors to the State.
“Tourism in northern Tasmania has also been buoyed by the enormous success of the Government’s Hawthorn Football Club sponsorship and the wave of big events to hit the north – including Elton John, MS Fest, Targa Tasmania – and interstate promotions such as the Tamar Valley Fine Wine and Food Expo.
“The development and growth of Launceston Airport is a win for northern Tasmania and investment in the region’s tourism future.
“By working with the State’s air and seaports, The State Government is helping visitors gain easy access to every region in our state.
“We will continue to work with the airports and airlines as we embark on a major submission as part of the Federal Government’s landmark Aviation Review. This review presents a key opportunity for Tasmania to put forward a major submission on the aviation issues that impact on our State.”
Ms O’Byrne commended Launceston Airport on the upgrades and on its continued contribution to the health of tourism in Tasmania.