I have today approved Townsville Airport’s Master Plan which sets out its strategic direction for the next 20 years.

Townsville Airport delivers vital aviation services across North Queensland and is a vital gateway to the region, with passenger numbers expected to grow by an average of 3.7 per cent a year to more than 3.5 million by 2030.

To accommodate this growth the Master Plan proposes a range of infrastructure projects including a redevelopment of the passenger terminal and an expansion of the apron area used to load and unload aircraft.

Other aspects of the Airport’s infrastructure, including the facilities used by the General Aviation industry, will also be progressively upgraded and expanded over the next two decades.

As these developments proceed, I expect the operator to undertake appropriate consultations with the Airport’s joint user, the Defence Department, as well as State and local planning authorities and the wider community.

The new Community Aviation Consultation Group will provide opportunities for the community to obtain information about the Airport’s longer term plans as well as act as a mechanism for working through issues of concern. Chaired by former District Court judge Rod Pack, its inaugural meeting is expected to take place in July.

Townsville Airport has 50 business days to make its Master Plan public.