I have approved Hobart Airport’s 2010 Master Plan which sets out its strategic direction and intended uses for the next 20 years.

Hobart Airport is a vital aviation hub for Tasmania with passenger traffic expected to grow by 4.1 per cent annually.

The Master Plan proposes a range of aviation infrastructure developments over the planning period to allow the airport to accommodate growth in passenger and aircraft movements. These include:

• Increased check-in facilities and security screening lanes;


• Domestic and international gate lounges;


• Increased baggage hall capacity;


• The extension of the parallel taxiway system to the ends of the runway to increase the capacity of the runway; and


• The construction of Rapid Exit Taxiways at a suitable distance along runway.

The Master Plan also identifies potential developments such as facilities to support the Australian Antarctic Division and other Antarctic nations, as well as food distribution and freight handling facilities.

If these developments proceed, I expect appropriate consultation to occur with Tasmanian government planning, transport and agriculture agencies, local governments and the community.

The Master Plan also addresses the future management of the Lowland Native Grasslands on the airport site.

The Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania are listed as critically endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Airport has undertaken to work with the Federal Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts to manage the grasslands.

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