Works to the Bundaberg Regional Aviation and Aerospace Precinct will be the base for a new Aeromedical Centre of Excellence and turn Bundaberg into a major regional aerospace precinct.
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the Palaszczuk Government contributed almost $2 million towards the project through its Building our Regions (BoR) program, partnering with Bundaberg Regional Council.
"The new facilities will improve airport safety and unlock significant opportunities for businesses to capitalise on what will become a major regional aerospace precinct," said Mr Smith.
"Additionally, it will be the base for a new Aeromedical Centre of Excellence for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and LifeFlight.
"The airside location will save precious time during critical situations, allowing ambulances to deliver patients much closer to helicopters and aircrafts.
"The upgrade has supported 12 jobs during construction – helping the Bundaberg community to unite and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said Stage 3 was on course for completion in March 2021.
"Our government is supporting long-term projects, like this one at Bundaberg Airport, that will deliver local growth, support businesses and open up more opportunities.
"Funding approvals through Building Our Regions of over $348 million have been allocated to 271 projects across 67 local government areas in regional Queensland, supporting an estimated 2770 jobs during construction.
"These projects have attracted additional investment of over $539 million from local governments and other organisations to continue to grow our regional Queensland communities."
Stage 3 works will deliver eight fully serviced lots, including three with direct airside access, taxiways and aircraft aprons, road extensions and a sewage pump station.
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said the Building our Regions partnership with the State Government was helping deliver important economic and community outcomes for the region.
"The Bundaberg Regional Airport is a critical hub, and this new precinct will help us unlock new investment opportunities and provide a permanent home for services that contribute to the safety and wellbeing of our community," Mr Dempsey said.
"With its completion we hope to see the Bundaberg aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries take off – with more career, tourism and expansion opportunities on our doorstep."
Learn more about the Building our Regions program.
This project closely aligns with the State Government's Queensland Aerospace 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, which includes a focus on securing a greater portion of national aerospace work, including in regional Queensland.
