Sunshine Coast Airport is on target to become Australia’s newest international hub with the Commonwealth Government agreeing to finance the full $181 million concessional loan requested by Council.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester, who flew into the Sunshine Coast Airport, joined Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien to make the announcement.
“Today’s commitment is a game changer for the Sunshine Coast,” said Mr O’Brien.
“What this $181 million concessional loan means is that the Sunshine Coast Regional Council can now get on with the job of delivering a fully fledged international airport for the people of the Sunshine Coast.
“This airport upgrade will drive local employment with more than 1500 direct and 650 indirect full-time jobs created during the construction phase.
“Opening direct routes into the Asia Pacific region also means our tourism industry can soar, becoming the hot new holiday destination for international travellers and capitalising on business tourism.
“Today’s commitment is a game changer for the Sunshine Coast,”
Ted O’Brien, Member for Fairfax
“It will also open up new trade opportunities for local growers and producers able to capitalise on global fresh food markets.”
“In fact, $4.1 billion in economic benefit is forecast for the region between 2020 and 2040 as a result of the airport upgrade,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said the announcement was also exciting on a personal level.
“Being part of delivering this concessional loan, along with securing international designation for Sunshine Coast Airport and federal Environment Impact Statement approval, all within my first four and a half months as Fairfax MP is extremely rewarding,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Even better, with these Federal commitments delivered so quickly, it means Council is also on target to hit its airport expansion goal of Christmas 2020,” he said.