Hervey Bay Airport passenger numbers on the rise

The new figures showing 51,266 passenger movements in the first quarter of 2019/20 up from 48,652 at the same time last year come as the Fraser Coast Regional Council will soon call for tenders to deliver a multi-million dollar refurbishment of the airport runway.

Mayor George Seymour said Council was keen to ensure the Fraser Coast had a strong, resilient and diversified economy, and having a well-used airport and strong aviation industries were central to achieving that outcome.

"The regular flights to and from Brisbane, Sydney and Lady Elliott Island carried more than 180,000 passengers in 2018/19 and we are on track for even more passenger movements at the Hervey Bay Airport this year if current trends continue," he said.

"The increase comes on the back of a Fraser Coast Tourism and Events marketing strategy aimed at demonstrating our region's accessibility to south-east Queensland and Sydney.

"There are not many places in Australia where you can step off a plane after a 90 minute flight from Sydney to a reef, wilderness or whales experience at your doorstep.

"With the recent Whale Heritage status declaration for Hervey Bay highlighting that we are a globally unique destination for whale watching, we would hope to attract even more visitors in the years to come and see those passenger numbers continue to rise."

Cr Paul Truscott said the runway renewal was the single biggest capital works project in Council's 2019/20 budget with $14 million allocated towards the work this financial year.

"The last major upgrade of the Hervey Bay Airport was almost 15 years ago when the runway was lengthened to allow for the introduction of jet services, so it's in need of a facelift," he said.

"It's vital the runway continues to meet the required national design and safety standards, and that's what this work is all about."

Cr Truscott said tender documents were currently being prepared for the runway renewal project with work to start in early 2020.

In addition to renewing the Hervey Bay Airport runway, Council is also developing the Avion Aviation Industry precinct, which will help pave the way for the establishment of aeronautical manufacturing.

A major civil construction project at the Avion precinct was recently completed and the handover of blocks to Red Diamond Pty Ltd, the parent company of Astro Aero, will occur next month.

The two projects at the Hervey Bay airport precinct are being supported by a $9.19 million grant through the Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund: Infrastructure Projects Stream.

Council is also in discussions with commercial proponents about aviation industry investment and job-creating opportunities at the Maryborough Airport.