Airport will inject millions into the city's economy
AN independent report has found the Wagners Wellcamp Airport project will inject more than $135.6m into the Toowoomba economy in its first year of operation.
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AN independent report has found the Wagners Wellcamp Airport project will inject more than $135.6 million into the Toowoomba economy in its first year of operation.
The report, conducted by Lawrence Consulting, found that figure would more than double to $318.7 million by its third year of operation.
Reuben Lawrence, of Lawrence Consulting, said there was no doubt the project would provide a significant boost to the Toowoomba economy.
"The elements we looked at are the inbound passengers coming to the region as well as the actual airport operations," he said.
"There is no doubt the benefit for the region is enormous especially in relation to the flow-on effects from the actual airport operations."
Mr Lawrence said the report estimated 200,000 passenger movements in the first year, 500,000 in the second and 600,000 in the third year.
"I think if the projected passenger numbers are accurate then it is a very viable project," he said.
"One of the key components in relation to all this is the potential to attract airlines.
"However, I believe Wagners are in advanced talks in relation to this."
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Shane Charles said the organisation paid for the report to be commissioned.
"John Wagner had nothing to do with the process to ensure there was no conflict of interest," Mr Charles said.
"The board, after asking John to leave the room, discussed the airport project at length.
"As an organisation, we wanted an independent economist to review the airport project so we could have some sense of what economic benefits the project will have for Toowoomba."
Businessman John Wagner, who is behind the project, is Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise board chairman.
Originally published as Airport will inject millions into the city's economy
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