Minister for Infrastructure and Transport The Hon Darren Chester MP: Hobart Runway Northern Extensio

• Major milestone in airport redevelopment reached as northern extension completed
• Work to now begin on the final stage of the redevelopment at the southern end of the airport
• Australian Government has committed $38 million to the project, which will help Tasmania welcome larger passenger and freight aircraft

The redevelopment of Hobart Airport has passed an important milestone with the northern extension of the runway now complete, allowing for work to start on the final stage of the redevelopment at the southern end.

The $38 million Hobart Airport Runway Extension was a key election commitment from the 2013 election and will underpin the creation of more job opportunities right across Tasmania.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the extension project was made possible through $38 million in funding assistance from the Australian Government, with an additional $2 million provided by the Hobart Airport.

"The 380-metre extension at the southern end is now underway and planned for completion by March 2018," Mr Chester said.

"This will allow the airport to support larger passenger and freight aircraft, increasing the ability of the airport to meet the needs of the Asian market and beyond."

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz said he was delighted to see the redevelopment progressing so well and today's milestone brought Tasmania a step closer to welcoming larger aircraft to the state.

"The runway extension is a vital project that will bring unprecedented opportunities including firmly establishing Hobart as an international Antarctic resource hub," Senator Abetz said.

"This project is an important part of the exciting Hobart Airport upgrade, something that has been championed by the Airport and, in particular, Rod Parry in his time as Chief Executive Officer.

"Aircraft have commenced using the northern extension of the runway and the work has been done with minimal disruption to the airport's operations.

"I am pleased that this project will be delivered by the end of next March and that works will shortly commence on the Hobart Airport Roundabout Upgrade.

"The Coalition committed to this project in 2013 following more than 5 years of neglect from the Labor Governments. The Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team, working in partnership with the State Liberal Government, is delivering record levels of infrastructure for our state."

Hobart Airport CEO Rod Parry said Hobart Airport was a major part of the Tasmanian economy and the redevelopment would create new opportunities for Tasmania.

"There are more than 820 people employed on Hobart Airport, which contributes $143 million into the state's economy each year. This will continue to increase once the extension is completed. I am also pleased to report that Hobart Airport will experience its busiest year ever with over 2.4 million passengers traveling through Hobart Airport over the past 12 months," Mr Parry said.