Fresh off the back of last week’s announcement that affordable airline, Bonza, will be connecting the Whitsundays to new markets, there are plans for an expansion at our local airport so that our regional runway can keep up with demand and growth.
The $10 million project will increase aircraft parking bays from four to seven which will allow for additional taxi ways plus two standover bays for overnight stays.
Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) are currently seeking funding for a feasibility study and detailed design costs so that they can move forward with the project and advocate for further funding from the government.
A total of $250,000 has been requested through the 22-24 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program, with WRC contributing an additional $100,000.
Notification of the grant application outcome is expected late April 2022.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said that planning for future increased flight capacity was key for Australia’s fastest growing regional airport.
“As Australia and the world starts to reopen, we are positioning the Whitsundays as the best place in the world to visit and increasing flights and adding new routes,” he said.
“This means we need to plan well ahead to ensure our infrastructure can keep pace with our growth.
“Having a shovel ready project will increase our chances of securing funding from Federal and State governments to partner and deliver the project which will cost in excess of $10 million.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic the Whitsunday Coast Airport goal was to reach 500,000 passengers annually - this has now been revised to a target of 750,000 annual passengers if the world opens up as expected in 2022.
New taxi ways set to expand capacity at Whitsunday Coast Airport
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