Cairns and Mackay Airports to receive $155m worth of expansions and upgrades

Approximately $155 million worth of expansions and upgrades are set to be carried out on Cairns and Mackay Airports as the Australian Government approves a loan through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). 

“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for those living and working in North Queensland. 

“This funding will help make air travel faster and easier for people in North Queensland, connecting families and businesses to the rest of Queensland, the nation and the world. 

“Projects like this strengthen the economy of Northern Australia. 

“And a strong north means a strong Australia,” Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said. 

This loan will enable refurbishments to be done on Cairns Airport’s international terminal – which is its first major upgrade since it was opened three decades ago. 

The NAIF loan will help deliver additional capacity at Cairns Airport through the expansion of baggage belts in the arrivals hall and refurbish the departure lounge at the international terminal. 

In addition, new airside infrastructure will also be delivered as part of a new aviation precinct. This includes additional aircraft stands and taxiways alongside upgrades to existing taxiways for future growth. 

Meanwhile at Mackay Airport, the NAIF loan will help deliver upgrades to the runway, apron and taxiway as well as a mixed retail and commercial precinct. 

“Being Australia’s most decentralised state, airports like Mackay and Cairns play a pivotal role in making sure Queensland continues to be a great place to live and visit. 

“Projects like these are another great example of the excellent work NAIF does by stimulating economic growth through backing critical infrastructure developments in our country’s northern towns and cities,” Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said. 

The two North Queensland airport projects are estimated to deliver a combined $1.4 billion in economic benefits during their construction and operation. 

Both the Cairns and Mackay Airports projects are estimated to create 500 direct and indirect jobs during construction and about 1,500 regional jobs once operational. 

Not only will the NAIF loan enable much needed expansions and upgrades to the airports, but it will also help boost regional Queensland’s air travel network and unlock future growth across both Cairns and Mackay airports. 

Once completed, the upgraded airports will support the tourism, resources and agricultural sectors in North Queensland by encouraging business travel and air freight fresh produce and other goods. 

“As a regional Senator, I travel through the regional airports almost every week, I know firsthand how important these upgrades are for our communities. 

“Whether you’re taking the milk run or travelling to capital cities for work or to see friends and family, it is these airports that people in rural and regional Queensland rely on. That’s why this investment is so important,” Senator for Queensland Nita Green said. 

“The extensive infrastructure upgrades that will be assisted by this loan will set our airports up for ongoing success as our communities develop and grow. 

“This loan recognises our airports’ critical roles across the Cairns and Mackay regions, contributing to tourism, freight, business, the resources industry and more. We are grateful for this support from the NAIF and look forward to showcasing these enhancements to locals and visitors,” North Queensland Airports Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said. 

Source: Minister for Northern Australia; Infrastructure Magazine