The Rudd Labor Government will contribute $5.5 million to upgrade the terminal at Gladstone Airport, an investment that will make sure this vital aviation hub is able to support the region’s rapid population growth and industrial expansion.

Announcing the funding today, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the project, being funded as part of the Economic Stimulus Plan, will support jobs today while providing significant long term economic benefits.

“Gladstone is a rapidly growing regional centre with an urgent need for better aviation infrastructure. In fact, the number of passengers transiting through its airport has doubled within just seven years,” said Mr Albanese.

“What’s more, some $65 billion worth of industrial development is planned in coming years and the city’s population is expected to grow by more than 80 per cent to almost 100,000 within only two decades.

“As well as delivering long term benefits for the region, construction of the new terminal will have an immediate spinoff, creating local jobs at a time when the local economy is still recovering from the impact of the global recession.”

The upgrade will expand the arrival and departure halls, provide space for additional security screening facilities and construct passenger facilities in the departure hall beyond the security screen point, as part of the Council’s broader development plans.

Flynn MP Chris Trevor said the project would deliver much needed construction and ongoing jobs for Gladstone with work expected to start as early as next month.

“This project will provide local jobs today while securing important infrastructure for tomorrow,” said Mr Trevor.

“The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year. It is another great example of the immediate employment and longer term benefits being delivered by our Economic Stimulus Plan.”