Queensland Government Appoints Builder For $7 Million Whitsunday Coast Airport Terminal Redevelopment
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Construction contract awarded for upgrade to Whitsunday Coast Airport
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe today announced T.F. Woollam & Son Pty Ltd as the winning bid to upgrade and refurbish the Whitsunday Coast Airport terminal.
Mr Hinchliffe said this marked a major step towards delivering a modern airport with improved facilities, which will not only benefit locals but help to attract many more tourists to the Whitsunday region.
“The Whitsunday Coast Airport will now undergo a $7 million upgrade to the terminal and passenger airport facilities,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Construction will commence shortly and work will be staged to minimise disruption to flights and the terminal’s operations.
“The project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2011.”
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the tender was awarded after ongoing negotiations between the council and Qantas on existing leasing arrangements were resolved.
Ms Jarratt said the project would improve airport efficiencies and rejuvenate the facility.
“Just last week in Parliament I expressed my constituents’ frustration at the prolonged discussions between Whitsunday Regional Council and Qantas so I’m pleased this had been addressed,” Ms Jarratt said.
“This expedient resolution will prevent significant delays in the construction of a critical piece of tourism infrastructure for the Whitsundays.
“A new airport is not a panacea for success, but it is one important plank in a suite of actions that we as a community are undertaking and I sincerely look forward to being able to enjoy the riches it will deliver to our region in terms of tourism market share.
“To ensure the Whitsundays fully benefit from the airport’s revitalisation, the State Government will soon unveil the new tourism branding campaign for the Whitsundays which will position this region as a premier destination for both adventure and luxury travel.”
Nine applications were received to undertake the refurbishment and extension works and T.F. Woollam & Son Pty. Ltd’s offer was selected after extensive evaluation of the tenders.
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning is managing the project for the Whitsunday Regional Council.
The airport will remain open during the terminal’s refurbishment and extension. The facility will be transferred to council on completion in 2011.
