Hobart Airport has released its 2015 Preliminary Draft Master Plan for public comment. The Master Plan provides a vision for the state’s busiest airport.
The release follows the announcement in June of a $100 million redevelopment of the airport which includes a $40 million runway extension, some $25 million to redevelop the airport’s passenger terminal and a further $40 million which has been invested in key infrastructure over the past last three years.
The runway extension project is outlined in the 2015 preliminary draft Master Plan; it will also be the subject of a Major Development Plan as required under the Airports Act 1996. The Major Development Plan will provide more specific detail on the runway extension and is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Under the Master Plan passenger numbers are forecast to grow at an annual rate of 4.2 percent over the next 20 years with passenger numbers increasing from 2.1 million to 4.6 million per year by 2035.
The airport will continue to grow as a key economic contributor to Tasmania with its direct and indirect annual economic contribution is predicted to increase from $142 million in 2014, to some $220 million by 2035.
Along with this growth, will be an increase in employment from the current 731 full time staff at the airport to over 1,000 by the end of the 20 year period.
The Master Plan is a key planning document for the airport and is required under the Airports Act 1996. It is used to guide the development of both aviation and non-aviation uses at the airport, and includes the airport’s environment plan, noise forecasts and ground transport plans. It is also an important way to provide ongoing information to our community and stakeholders.
Hobart Airport CEO Rod Parry said that Hobart Airport is critical part of Tasmania’s infrastructure. The Airport has been in operation for 60 years in 2016 and it is essential that long term planning occur in order to continue to meet future needs.
“The 2015 Master Plan outlines the airport’s plans for the next five and 20 year periods and is open for public comment through a three month public consultation period,” Mr Parry said.
Once complete, Hobart Airport will submit the Master Plan for Hobart Airport to the Australian Government for approval in October.
Further information can be found at www.hobartairport.com.au
Melinda Percival, General Manager Airline Marketing and Corporate Affairs
