9 apply to upgrade Proserpine Airport

Tenders have closed for the upgrade of the existing Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) Airport, with nine applications now being considered.

“The Department of Infrastructure and Planning invited tenders for the refurbishment and extension works on June 16. Tenders closed on July 14, now we are reviewing these proposals and expect to announce which proponent has been selected to redevelop the airport in the near future," Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt announced yesterday.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said the airport will undergo a seven month program of works to upgrade the terminal and passenger airport facilities.

“This $7 million project will deliver the modern airport and improved facilities the airport needs to serve locals and the thousands of tourists who flock to the Whitsunday region each year. When construction commences, the program of works will be phased to minimise disruption to the terminal’s operation. The terminal upgrade project will provide approximately 20 short-term contractor and construction jobs, in the design and construction phase between now, and December 2010", he said.

Work on Whitsunday Coast airport (15 kilometres south of Proserpine), is expected to be completed in early 2011. Around 25 suppliers/sub-contractors/contractors attended an industry briefing on June 24 to hear the details of the project and potentially be involved in the program of works.

The Department of Infrastructure and Planning is managing the project for the Whitsunday Regional Council.

Works to extend and refurbish the terminal are expected to be well underway by the end of 2010, with an aim to transfer management of the airport back to council on completion in 2011.