Major extension at RAAF Base Townsville to boost capabilities and create jobs

A MAJOR runway extension at Townsville Airport will create up to 150 jobs during construction.

The area on the map marked in yellow shows the approximate 407-metre Townsville airport runway extension to the north east.

A MULTI-MILLION dollar runway upgrade at Townsville Airport will boost the city’s Defence capabilities as well as create up to 150 jobs during construction. It's set to be a game-changer for Townsville. 

The three-part project at RAAF Base Townsville includes a 407m runway extension, a redevelopment of two existing aprons and a new aircraft rinse facility. Construction was expected to start in 2016 after parliamentary approval in 2015, but the Bulletin can reveal the airfield works are now scheduled to commence late next year with completion expected by late 2020.

A Department of Defence spokeswoman said a construction contractor had not been appointed for the airfield works.

“The tender for a contractor to carry out the works is expected to be released in either late 2018 or early 2019,” she said. “It is anticipated between 100 and 150 workers will be employed and the majority of the works, including supply of materials, will be sourced from the local region.”

The runway extension work has an estimated value of $33.1 million.

The existing Townsville runway is 2438m long and 45m wide but will become about 2845m, with no change to its width. The upgrade is needed to accommodate the military’s new fleet of surveillance planes — the P-8A Poseidon — at maximum weight.

“While (RAAF) Base Townsville can accommodate a P-8A Poseidon, the base’s present runway length is not sufficient to allow the aircraft to take off at its maximum weight,” the Defence spokeswoman said.

“This limits the range and or payload that can be carried by the Poseidon when operating from Townsville,” she said.

The Poseidon has already operated at RAAF Townsville for training activities, including when two of the aircraft were deployed for three weeks during Exercise Talisman Saber in July last year.

The area on the map marked in yellow shows the approximate 407-metre Townsville airport runway extension to the north east.

A Queensland Airports Limited spokeswoman said it supported the Federal Government’s investment in aviation infrastructure but said the runway extension was not something the Townsville Airport required for its civilian aviation operations.

She also said it was not a factor in whether Townsville could attract more international services or larger aircraft.

“Our dedicated business development and marketing department engage in regular dialogue with airlines regarding new opportunities,” the spokeswoman said.

“Investment in infrastructure is important for Townsville, regardless of whether that investment comes from public or private sources. “The Defence facility in Townsville is a significant employer in the region, so it’s great to see the Federal Government recognise this through funding to enhance operations.”

The Defence contractor will be required to provide a detailed co-ordination plan for all construction activities on the airfield to minimise the impact to Defence and civilian operations.

Originally published as Major extension at RAAF Base Townsville to boost capabilities and create jobs