Rockhampton Airport’s $35m upgrade officially finish with grand opening

Millions of dollars worth of upgrades to the Rockhampton Airport have officially been completed, but there’s more planned for the “major gateway” in the coming months.

Rockhampton Airport has been touted as a “major gateway” for tourism and business, with millions of dollars in upgrades officially complete.

The upgrades, which included new security screening and lounge facilities, was a joint $35.44 million investment between federal, state and local governments.

On Tuesday, Rockhampton region Mayor Tony Williams was joined by Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm and Deputy Premier Steven Miles to officially open the new upgrades.

The works supported 50 full time equivalent construction jobs and six ongoing jobs.

Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams said the upgrades helped take the airport to the next level.

As well as the security and lounge facilities, the terminal was also refurbished with replaced amenities, a new cafe, upgrades of the concourse and improved car hire booths.

“The Rockhampton Airport is a major gateway for business and tourism in our region,” Mr Williams said.

“The upgrades have improved passenger convenience and safety, while greatly increasing the passenger experience during travelling, especially for families with children and elderly people.

“This is a transformational project that will significantly boost tourism and the economy.

“This project began as a reconfiguration to accommodate security screening upgrades required to comply with Australian Government regulations, however we took the opportunity to undertake a broader refurbishment to most of the old terminal building and create a terminal that better serves our growing region.”

Cr Neil Fisher, Rockhampton MP Barry O'Rourke, Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Mayor Tony Williams and Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm.

Federal Regional Development Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm said the upgrades would have “flow-on benefits” for the broader region.

“Rockhampton airport sees around 600,000 travel through its gates every year, and these upgrades will mean those people get a smoother and nicer experience,” he said.

“Plus, as a major local gateway for business and tourism, the improved traveller experience and capacity will result in flow-on benefits to the broader region by bolstering passenger numbers.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said Rockhampton Airport was a major access point for Central Queensland.

“The economic contribution of Central Queensland is enormous and the Rockhampton Airport supports that economic contribution,” he said.

“It’s also a tourism gateway to the many attractions nearby as well as the education and health care hub for Central Queensland.”

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry, who was present at the official opening, said she was “outraged” after she was told on Friday she wouldn’t be required to speak at the official opening, despite being originally asked to do so.

“I am outraged by this, as the sitting federal member not to be able to represent my community is an absolute disgrace,” she said.

“Over the last 10 years I have fought enormously for funding for this airport, nearly $45 million in funding started back in 2017 - $5 million for the pavement upgrades, $4.31 million for security upgrades, $10.2 for infrastructure upgrades and then $25 million for Alliance and a $30 million NAIF loan.”

There will be more excitement in the coming weeks and months at Rockhampton Airport with new budget airline Bonza to start flying to and from Rockhampton and the Alliance hangar facility also nearing completion.