Hobart Airport has welcomed the approval of the Hobart Airport Runway Major Development Plan.
Hobart Airport CEO, Rod Parry said with formal approval of the Major Development Plan now granted, construction of this important infrastructure project can now commence.
“The extension of the runway will open up new and exciting opportunities for the Tasmanian economy and will provide the state with the ability to better participate in Asian markets and to be a stronger Antarctic Gateway for Australia and other Nations,” Mr Parry said.
“This important project would not be possible without the financial investment from the Commonwealth Government and we are very thankful for this investment in Hobart Airport and Tasmania.”
With the Major Development Plan now approved, the next steps for the project are to finalise Airport building approvals and then commence the enabling works for the first phase of the project, the construction of Grueber Avenue.
Physical works is expected commence in the next 4-6 weeks.
The construction of Grueber Avenue, named for Tasmania’s first air hostess, will provide continued access to the residents of Seven Mile Beach and enable the closure of Surf Rd to vehicular traffic, which is required for the safe operation of the extended runway.
Once Grueber Avenue access has been completed, the next phase of the project has two major components; the relocation of Air services navigation equipment and the construction of the runway extension itself.
Pending the relocation of navigation equipment, it is planned to commence construction works on the runway extension this coming summer, with the project to be completed by March 2018.
Mr Parry said the extension of the runway is a process that needs to be meticulously planned, especially given the need to continue to maintain regular air services to and from Hobart while construction continues.
Mel Percival
