Airport cash splash: Opposition Leader Peter Dutton vows millions for Launceston, Flinders Island
The cheque book is open and Opposition Leader promises a $37m cash injection to boost tourism and trade should the Coalition win the upcoming federal election.
Tasmania
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Launceston and Flinders Island airports will get a $37 million injection to boost tourism and trade capacity should the Coalition win the next election, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced.
Visiting Western Junction on Saturday, Mr Dutton pledged $27m towards the $100m major upgrade of the Launceston facility, and another $10m million for runway resurfacing and reconstruction on Flinders.
On the second day of his Tasmanian visit, Mr Dutton described Launceston Airport as “Tasmania’s northern gateway”, acting as hub for jobs, tourism, and trade, and helping support hundreds of jobs,” the Opposition Leader said.
“This announcement is part of our commitment to invest in productivity-enhancing infrastructure that drives growth, boosts freight efficiency, creates sustainable jobs, and supports local industries – because only the Coalition has a real plan to get regional Tasmania back on track, while Labor continues to overlook the needs of these communities.”
Coalition Transport and Regional Development spokesperson, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said it was vital to ensure regional airports could accommodate larger, modern commercial jets which carried more passengers.
“We know that our regional airports provide an essential link to the rest of Australia which is not only important for tourism but also the health, economic development and growth of our communities,” Sen McKenzie said.
“The Coalition is providing this funding to help regional airports invest in practical upgrades that create long-term benefits, so communities can continue to have access to freight, work, essential services, health care, family and friends no matter where they live.”
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Originally published as Airport cash splash: Opposition Leader Peter Dutton vows millions for Launceston, Flinders Island
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