CHRC reveals $6M Emerald Airport upgrade almost complete

‘Game changer’: Upgrade brings the facility one step closer to the long-term vision of the Emerald Airport Precinct, a state-of-the-art service hub.

A $6 million upgrade of the terminal building and carpark at the Emerald Airport is almost complete.

New security procedures and an all new pick-up and drop-off area is part of the $6 million upgrade of the building and car park at the Emerald Airport, which is almost complete.

Central Highlands Regional Council’s manager airport Salomon Kloppers said the project was a game-changer for security at the facility.

“Inside the terminal, we have a new screening hall with private search rooms, upgraded screening equipment and a new body scanner, aimed at picking up a class of threat we had little capability to before,” he said.

“The flow of the departure and arrival process has also been improved.

“Passengers now remain inside the building from check-in to boarding.

“An anti-pass-back door has also been installed between the arrivals and departures areas, a highly sophisticated security device which restricts unwanted passenger movement.”

The $6 million upgrade includes additional security procedures.

The upgrades have also continued outside, with passenger safety at the forefront of the project.

“In the carpark area, we now have a formal drop-off and pick-up zone with shade structures, new ticketing machines, as well as raised traffic crossings,” Mr Kloppers said.

“This makes it safer for passengers moving between the terminal and the carpark and removes traffic from right out front of the building.”

Mr Kloppers said the kiosk inside the facility was open again under new management and location, on the other side of screening.

“Passengers can enjoy a snack or beverage for much longer while they wait for their flight, and arriving travellers can still swing by to pick something up too. I can highly recommend the brownies,” he said.

The kiosk is now located at the flight boarding wait area.

Building safety has also been considered, with improved onsite water supplies and fire pumps, as well as increased firefighting capabilities, and smoke and heat detection.

Mr Kloppers said directional signage would be installed throughout May, with the project set to be officially completed by the end of the month.

Mayor Kerry Hayes said it was an exciting time for the airport.

“Over the last few years we’ve seen some major improvements for this vital regional asset,” he said.

“This is another big step towards reaching our long-term vision of the Emerald Airport Precinct, a state-of-the-art service hub with development opportunities for business and industry in our region.

“Better regional airports equal better communities, so investments like this project are invaluable.”

The major airport upgrade has been jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government in association with the Central Highlands Regional Council.