Launceston Airport has been given the green light to proceed with $65 million in infrastructure improvements over the next decade as part of its 20-year Master Plan.
The federal government has approved Launceston Airport’s master plan, which has forecast passenger numbers at the northern Tasmanian gateway to grow to 2.5 million a year by 2035, from 1.3 million a year currently.
The master plan also included about $65 million in planned capital expenditure over the next 10 years.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Launceston Airport master plan detailed significant infrastructure benefits airside and in the terminal, as well as non-aviation development.
There were also changes to ground transport and environmental management initiatives included in the master plan.
“The aviation sector plays a critical role in building a strong national economy and Launceston Airport is every bit as crucial to the local, regional and state economies,” Truss said in a statement on May 15.
“Employment at the airport is expected to grow to 393 over the next five years from 379 today, with most jobs in the airline, retail and service contractor sectors.”
“In addition, Launceston Airport’s 2015 Master Plan outlines significant infrastructure investments that will translate into substantial economic benefits.
Launceston Airport general manager Paul Hodgen said he was pleased the government has approved the airport’s vision to become “a leading Australian regional airport and tourism gateway to Tasmania”.
“This milestone will further strengthen our direction for growth and development of our airport over the next 20 years, including plans for the establishment of an intermodal freight hub in the Western Junction area,” Hodgen said in a statement.
Launceston Airport is operated by Australia Pacific Airports Corporation Ltd, which also operates Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. The company has to make the master plan public in the next 50 business days.
