Upgrading Tassie’s airports to welcome more visitors

12 November 2020

Michael Ferguson MP

2020-21 Budget: Upgrading Tassie’s airports to welcome more visitors

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committing almost $10 million towards upgrading the Hobart International Airport and $5.15 million towards upgrading the Launceston Airport in the 2020-21 State Budget.

This is part of our plan to rebuild a stronger Tasmania, with a landmark $5 billion infrastructure program, which will create jobs, bolster confidence and invest in our community.

The $9.85 million investment in the Hobart airport is part of a $17.5 million plan, in partnership with the airport’s owners, to upgrade the infrastructure and facilitate its international border arrangements.

Tasmania will be welcoming international flights from New Zealand for the first time in more than two decades. This will provide a boost for local jobs across tourism, as well as more jobs at the airport as the upgrades take place.

Our $5.15 million commitment to the Launceston Airport is part of a $10.3 million investment, with the airport contributing the remaining funds.

The upgrades will include expanding the departures and arrivals terminals. These changes will see improvements across the airport, including a larger and more contemporary arrivals experience, improved passenger security screening and a larger departures and check-in facility.

Our contribution will also contribute to the development cost of a new air freight cargo facility at the airport to service increased air freight movement and to better support Tasmania’s live seafood, agriculture and general freight movements to both domestic and international markets.

These upgrades to the Hobart and Launceston airports will set them up for a big, positive future for locals and visitors alike, while also stimulating our economy and creating jobs.