Urgent call for Tennant Creek airport upgrade as Canberra stalls on infrastructure
Canberra is hedging its bets on committing to a key Northern Territory infrastructure project that would have huge benefits for not just the Red Centre, but the Territory as a whole. Read what it is.
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Tennant Creek airport stakeholders want to secure a commitment from both major political parties to co-fund upgrades to the 80-year old facility.
The bid comes as Airport Development Group, which owns Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek airports, unveiled a concept plan to develop a Tennant Creek aviation and accommodation hub.
The plan outlines a staged infrastructure project costed at around $30-$35 million, which includes extending and strengthening the runway, extending and upgrading the airport apron, upgrades to terminal and car park facilities and the development of a dedicated essential worker accommodation precinct.
And ADG chief executive Tony Edmondstone wants a commonwealth contribution to get the vital project off the ground.
“This precinct will be transformative for the Barkly,” Mr Edmondstone said.
“It will support the creation of jobs, improve liveability, and strengthen regional connectivity – ultimately driving down the cost of travel and enabling industries and communities to thrive.
“Aviation is the backbone of regional Australia. Upgrading this infrastructure is not just about
aircraft – it’s about unlocking access to opportunity. It means faster, safer connections for people, services, freight, and investment.
“It means being able to support the critical workforce needed to power key sectors, including energy, mining, health, education, and defence.”
ADG has initiated a Barkly region roundtable, scheduled for late April and early May, to enable government, industry and the community to provide input into the concept plan.
Currently, Tennant Creek Airport offers a mix of medical, government, tourism, and charter flights and although fit for purpose today, the current airport infrastructure is insufficient to support the significant growth expected in the Barkly.
ADG’s proposal addresses these constraints and enables long-term development supporting growth of up to 100,000 passengers annually.
Earlier analysis undertaken by Airport Development Group identified structural and design shortfalls at the existing facility that could potentially stall economic development in the Barkly.
The report said due to runway conditions, Airnorth’s Embraer 120 Brasilia twin-turbo prop, with a range around 1750km, was the largest aircraft type capable of landing at Tennant Creek.
The Embraer’s range is too short to reach Western Australia and the major east coast centres.
“Passenger demand outlook is positive as resource projects in the region are expected to move into construction phase,” the analysis said.
“To accommodate this demand, investment to improve (the main) runway and remediation to the air transport apron is required.”
Upgrades would enable larger aircraft, such as the Embraer E170/190 and the Bombardier Q400, to transport mine workers to work sites.
The report identified Tennant Creek airport upgrades would also enhance the so-called “milk run” flights that link Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
“This improved runway capability would provide strategic capabilities for the Department of Defence, further strengthening ADG’s relationship with the Commonwealth,” the report said.
“In addition to supporting FIFO and defence, the existing milk-run could be repositioned to provide improved intra-territory services with larger and faster aircraft with additional services connecting Alice Springs to Ayers Rock Airport.”
With about three weeks to go in the federal election campaign, Tony Edmondstone is hoping for a commitment from both the major parties.
Coalition politicians in the Territory during the election campaign and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King have acknowledged ADG’s bid is on the table, but have so far failed to commit.
But with a surge in mining activity in the Barkly spurred by a gold price in excess of $5160 an ounce, NT Minerals Council executive director Cathryn Tilmouth said the investment was ‘essential’.
“Getting more flights and larger aircraft capacity in towns like Tennant Creek is essential for the health of the community and the economic prospects of the region,” she said.
“The airport currently doesn’t have the capacity to accommodate larger jets from Darwin that could allow Tennant Creek to take advantage of the growing resources sector in the region.
“Using Tennant Creek as a logistic base or ‘hub’ for minerals projects in the region and then flying from there out across the central and southern parts of the Territory, like ‘spokes’ on a wheel, helps maintain the baseload demand for flights into Tennant Creek, and increase connectivity not only for industry, but for other businesses and tourism.”
Tourism Central Australia’s Danial Rochford is also on board.
“Not only would it be a huge thing for the local community, it would also be a key opportunity to drive the local economy through mining, through agriculture, through tourism, and it will also enable larger jets.
“What we often see with larger jets is downward pressure in pricing and that’s always a good thing.
“Investing in the infrastructure is something we believe is in the best interests of the Barkly and that’s why we support ADG to secure funding to try and get sufficient infrastructure to facilitate bigger jets into the airport.”
Barkly Region mayor Sid Vashist said the shire is right behind ADG’s vision.
“This transformative project will enhance connectivity, unlock economic growth, and support vital industries like energy, mining, defence and most importantly support the needs of residents who deserve cheaper airfares to travel in and out of our township,” he said.
“The upgraded infrastructure and key worker housing precinct will address critical regional needs — creating jobs, improving liveability, and strengthening services. Tennant Creek is emerging as a strategic centre for northern Australia, and this development positions us to meet future demands with confidence.”
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Originally published as Urgent call for Tennant Creek airport upgrade as Canberra stalls on infrastructure
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