Wagners looking to expand its airport empire north

WAGNERS grew from humble beginnings 28 years ago, but now it could become part of one of the biggest projects in Australian history - the Adani Carmichael Mine.

Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport officially opens with first passenger flights by QuantasLink. Ready for take off, the first flight to Sydney.Photo Bev Lacey / The Chronicle. Picture: Bev Lacey

NOT content with expanding its reach south, Wagners is now looking north to cash in on the Adani Carmichael Coal Mine.

The Chronicle understands the company is all but a certainty to take on the mammoth project.

Wagners confirmed yesterday that talks had begun between the Toowoomba-based company and Indian mining giant Adani over the construction and management of the Carmichael Coal Mine airport.

The move comes just months after Wagners confirmed it was in the running to build Sydney's second airport at Badgerys Creek, and indications it was planning to float the company on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Initial reports suggested Wagners was being touted as the preferred tenderer to build and operate the site's airport, and the company's chairman Denis Wagner confirmed that while talks were still in the early stages, the discussions with Adani had been positive.

Denis Wagner.

"We're in discussions with Adani about doing some work that relates to the construction of the airport and the supply of material to build roads," he said.

"It would be another job for us but I don't want to downplay it, or up-play it either, because that's what we do - we build airports."

Mr Wagner also confirmed that should the company win the contract, Wagners would still throw its hat into the ring to build the second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek in a bid to thicken its already growing portfolio.

"There is no impact on that at all," he said.

"We would like the government to consider a delivery method for an Australian company to build the Western Sydney Airport.

Adani's mine and rail projects.

"Yes (we could do both) west Sydney is a huge project and the Adani one is a relatively small airport."

But that isn't the only place Wagners is looking to extend its reach.

After a big year of business, the company has ambitions to pursue opportunities overseas.

"We have experienced a strong year," Mr Wagner said.

"We have taken some very positive steps and in the next three to five years we will certainly continue to grow. We see great opportunities around the world in places like New Zealand and the United States."

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Anton Rose

Originally published as Wagners looking to expand its airport empire north