The upgrades, which sees the construction of a new Aeromedical Centre of Excellence, will elevate Bundaberg to a major regional aerospace precinct.
The Queensland Government has contributed nearly $2 million towards Bundaberg regional Aviation and Aerospace Precinct upgrades through the Building our Regions (BoR) program, Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith announced earlier today.
“The new facilities will improve airport safety and unlock significant opportunities for businesses to capitalise on what will become a major regional aerospace precinct,” said Smith.
Smith revealed that the Bundaberg base will house the new Aeromedical Centre of Excellence for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and LifeFlight which will help ambulances reach helicopters and aircraft quickly during critical situations.
The upgrades, which are being undertaken in partnership with the Bundaberg Regional Council, has insofar supported 12 construction jobs – helping the regional community recover from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our government is supporting long-term projects, like this one at Bundaberg Airport, that will deliver local growth, support businesses and open up more opportunities,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles.
Over $348 million in funding through the BoR program have been approved and allocated to 271 projects across 67 local government in the region, thus supporting nearly 2770 jobs during construction, Minister Miles revealed.
The aviation project, which aligns with the State Government’s Queensland Aerospace 10-year Roadmap and Action Plan, continues to attract additional investment, with over $539 million coming in from local government and other organisations.
“The Bundaberg Regional Airport is a critical hub, and this new precinct will help us unlock new investment opportunities and provide a permanent home for services that contribute to the safety and wellbeing of our community,” said Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey.
On course for completion in March 2021, Stage 3 works will add eighty fully serviced lots, including three with direct airside access, taxiways and aircraft aprons, road extensions and a sewage pump station.
“With its completion we hope to see the Bundaberg aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries take off – with more career, tourism and expansion opportunities on our doorstep.”
