MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon Jim Lloyd MP

Minister for Local Government,
Territories and Roads

The Australian Coat of Arms

22 December 2004
L74 2004

LAUNCESTON AIRPORT MASTER PLAN

The Australian Government has approved the second master plan for Launceston Airport, which sets out the airport's broad development plans for the next twenty years.

The approval was announced by the Acting Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Jim Lloyd.

"Launceston Airport is the second busiest airport in Tasmania, and is forecast to handle as many as 1.25 million passengers per year in 2024-05, compared to 668,000 in 2003-04," Mr Lloyd said.

"The master plan concludes that the airport will not require new runways or taxiways over the next twenty years, because it has significant spare operational capacity.

"It puts forward a measured vision for the development of the airport, focusing on:

  • minor upgrades or extensions to the existing passenger terminal for improved customer service if necessary;
  • providing infrastructure for any expanded terminal facilities that may be required;
  • extending or modifying the public car parking arrangements and internal access roads as required;
  • the possible development of an area west of Evandale Road for commercial use;
  • reserving space to the north of the passenger terminal for the future development of freight handling facilities. The potential consolidation of the heavier freighter aircraft in this area over the long term would enable the old freight area to be used by general aviation aircraft.

"The owners of leased Federal airports, such as Launceston Airport, are required to submit master plans for the Government's approval every five years. The airport is now required to publish its final master plan within 90 days and make copies of the plan available to the public," Mr Lloyd said.


Media Contacts

Graeme Hallett ( Jim Lloyd's Office ) 02 6277 7060 / 0419 688 440


 

URL: http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/jl/releases/2004/December/l74_2004.htm