Construction is officially underway on the Hobart Airport runway upgrade following the first turning of sod on the project by federal government and Hobart Airport representatives.
The upgrades will enable the airport runway, taxis and apron fit for use by larger Code E aircraft including Boeing 787s and Airbus 350s.
These upgrades will enable Hobart Airport to service long-distance freight providers and wide-body international flights.
It will also be a key improvement to Australia’s Antarctic gateway.
Federal Member for Franklin Julie Collins says the project will help support the state’s booming transport industry.
“This vital upgrade will further increase Hobart’s infrastructure abilities as Australia’s Antarctic Gateway, helping to support and grow economic activity from the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sectors in Tasmania.
“It will also provide a welcome jobs boom for our region and transport industry, creating nearly 200 construction jobs and a further 1261 ongoing jobs across Tassie.
“It’s great to see work getting underway on this important election commitment that will unlock many opportunities for Tasmania.”
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King says the ability to send more freight further will only grow Tasmania’s presence in the global economy.
“Direct Hobart to Asia routes will allow exports to reach their destinations faster and in better quality, greatly benefitting Tasmania’s world-famous business and producers.
“Particularly the fresh produce sector.”
The project will cost $130 million and is set to be completed by May 2025. The federal government committed $60 million towards the project.
The starting of construction comes after Launceston Airport’s reporting of dramatic increases in both passenger and freight demand across the first five months of 2024.
Australia Post Executive General Manager reported a 72.4 per cent growth in Launceston’s eCommerce growth since 2019.”
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