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Cairns and Mackay will undergo up to $155 million worth of upgrades after securing a loan from the federal government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).
The loan to North Queensland Airports (NQA) will allow the first major refurbishment of Cairns’ international terminal in its approximately 30-year history, while Mackay Airport will upgrade the runway, taxiway and apron services and create a mixed retail and commercial precinct.
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“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,” said NQA CEO Richard Barker.
“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.”
Cairns is Australia’s seventh-busiest airport for international traffic, with destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Shanghai, Bali, Auckland and Port Moresby.
The funding will enable it to expand baggage claim belts, renovate its international departure lounge, and construct new airside infrastructure including aircraft stands, new taxiways, and upgrades to existing taxiways.
The government says the works at Cairns and Mackay will deliver $1.4 billion in economic benefits, creating 500 regional jobs during construction and almost 1,500 when in operation.
According to Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm, the upgrades will improve Northern Queensland’s air travel network.
“Being Australia’s most decentralised state, airports like Mackay and Cairns play a vital role in making sure Queensland continues to be a great place to live and visit,” he said.
“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.”
Queensland Senator Nita Green said the loan will help keep northern Queensland connected to the rest of Australia.
“As a regional Senator, I travel through the regional airports almost every week, I know firsthand how important these upgrades are for our communities,” she said.
“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.”
The NAIF has previously supported projects at Townsville, Darwin and Connellan Airports.
