Bundaberg's Regional Aviation and Aerospace Precinct has today moved a step closer to take-off, with the first sod turned on the project’s $5.2 million Stage 3.
The Palaszczuk Government has contributed almost $2 million towards the project, through its Building our Regions program, partnering with Bundaberg Regional Council.
Stage 3 of the precinct will see the delivery of eight fully serviced lots, including three with direct airside access, taxiways and aircraft aprons, road extensions and a sewerage pump station.
Acting Premier and Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said 15 jobs will be created during construction of Stage 3, with 37 ongoing jobs expected upon project completion, according to council estimates.
"This project will improve airport safety and unlock significant opportunities for businesses to capitalise on what will become a major regional aerospace precinct," Mr Dick said.
"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.
"It will also help to grow regional employment by creating jobs and fostering the expansion of Bundaberg’s established aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said: "The Palaszczuk Government is committed to building on the traditional strengths of regional economies while also looking at ways to diversify these economies, to ensure the ongoing prosperity and growth of our entire state."
"By working with councils to identify long-term projects that will deliver local growth, support business and open up more opportunities, we are ensuring regional communities like Wide Bay have the infrastructure in place to forge ahead."
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said the Building our Regions partnership with the Queensland Government was helping deliver important economic and community outcomes for the region.
"Bundaberg Regional Airport is a critical hub and this new precinct will help us unlock new investment opportunities," Mr Dempsey said.
"It will also provide a permanent home for a vital service that contributes to our community’s safety and wellbeing."
Mr Dick said the project aligned with the 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.
"The airside commercial land also creates a strategic resource to link with the Bundaberg State Development Area," he said.
