Media Release – Hobart Airport, 18 September 2024
Stage One of $130 million Runway Upgrade Underway
One of the most complex and important infrastructure projects in Tasmania’s history is underway with the Stage One work to strengthen 829 metres of runway at Hobart Airport.
The $130 million upgrade of the Hobart Airport runway will comprise three stages, to strengthen the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and enable direct international flights to Asian hub airports.
Stage One will upgrade the northern end of the runway, Stage Two the middle and Stage Three the southern end, with works to be completed by mid-2025.
Over the entire project more than 30,000 tonnes of old asphalt will be removed and around 100,000 tonnes of new placed – that’s around the weight of two Tasman Bridges.
Around 140 workers from expert airport construction company Downer will be directly involved in the project, including locals and specialist airfield project managers and engineers who have flown in from across the country.
There will be up to 50 vehicles, plant and equipment on site every day including specialist equipment shipped in especially for the project – from an asphalt manufacturing plant to superpavers, pavement heaters and macro rollers.
Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter it was exciting to see the works underway in earnest.
“This is a highly technical project with hundreds of expert workers and specialist equipment involved,” Mr Carter said. “They have a big job on their hands, to unlock direct access to the world for Tasmanian travellers and exporters, and all the opportunities that will come with that.
“Right now, travellers will notice that things are looking a little bit different when they fly in or out of Hobart Airport. The Stage One works have started on the northern end of the runway, temporarily shortening the runway by 829 metres.
“Travellers can be assured that there is still plenty of runway for safe landings and take-offs, this just ensures we have a safe construction zone.
“Stage Two works on the middle of the runway are scheduled to start in October. This will include temporarily closing the runway each night after the last flight lands, upgrading an approximately 80 metre wide strip, and then reopening it before the first flight departs.
“We’ve worked closely with our overnight users to ensure alternate plans are in place to minimise any potential disruptions while this important work occurs.
“Like all good things, this will take time, but we’re confident any short-term pain will lead to huge long-term gains for Tasmanians.”
Downer’s General Manager of the Specialised Pavements and Projects business unit, Simon Abrahams, stated: “You can rest assured that Downer is an expert in upgrading airport runways across the nation. We are a trusted partner for some of the largest airports across Australia and New Zealand, and we are committed to delivering the highest quality for Hobart Airport and the travelling public.
“The early contractor involvement process implemented by Hobart Airport provided the opportunity for the joint project team to conduct thorough planning, assess risks, and ensure comprehensive mitigations and contingencies were in place before the work commenced.
“Delivering works within displaced thresholds is core business for our specialised pavements and projects team. Our planning and construction methodology focuses on quality and safety while adhering to committed timeframes and minimising disruptions.”
Mr Carter said the $130 million runway upgrade is in addition to Hobart Airport’s $200 million terminal redevelopment and investment of over $20 million in the carparks, forecourt and road network,” Mr Carter said.
“This is all part of our plan to build a better Hobart Airport that delivers more space, more choice and more jobs for Tasmanians.”
Hobart Airport Runway Upgrade Project Outline
Stage One – Upgrade of the northern end of the runway, around 829 metres, with works from September to December 2024
State Two – Upgrade of the middle section of the runway, around 1069 metres, with works from October to early 2025.
Stage Three – Upgrade of the southern end of the runway, around 829 metres, with works from the first half of 2025 to mid 2025.
Media release – Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, 18 September 2024
Hobart Runway upgrades pave the way for new tourism and export markets
The $130 million upgrade of the Hobart International Airport achieved a significant milestone this week, with work beginning on upgrading the runway to allow more tourists in, and freight out of the island state.
The upgrades will enable long-haul flight aircraft (such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350) to use the runway, which will open up competition allowing direct flights from Hobart to Asia and the Pacific.
The airport’s taxiways, ground lighting, electrical systems and signage are also being improved.
This will be a win for local producers, allowing products to reach international destinations faster and in better quality.
The upgrades will create nearly 200 jobs through the construction phase, and is expected to be complete by May 2025.
The Hobart International Airport runway upgrades are jointly funded, with $60 million investment from the Australian Government, and 70 million from Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“Upgrading the Hobart Airport runway will make a real difference to the economy of both the city of Hobart, as well as the state of Tasmania.
“This will benefit tourists and exporters, with larger aircraft able to land at the airport, bringing in more tourists from further afield through an Asian hub.
“The works are another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure which creates jobs and unlocks growth in our regional economies.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Franklin Julie Collins:
“This upgrade is estimated to indirectly create more than 1,200 new jobs across the state, and is more proof of our Government’s sensible and measured investments which are paying real dividends for regions across Australia.
“The upgrade will unlock more freight opportunities for Tasmania – which is already known for some of the best seafood, fresh produce, meats, dairy and wines. This means a huge boost for the local agriculture industry.”
