In a significant development for North Queensland, the Cairns and Mackay Airports are poised to undergo extensive expansions and upgrades, backed by a substantial loan of up to $155 million from the Australian Government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). This funding aims to revitalise and expand these crucial transport hubs, enhancing the region’s connectivity and economic growth.
The loan, granted to North Queensland Airports, will finance the first major refurbishment of Cairns Airport’s international terminal in over 30 years. This upgrade will expand baggage handling capacity in the arrivals hall and refurbish the departure lounge, improving the overall passenger experience. Additionally, the loan will support the construction of new airside infrastructure, including aircraft stands and taxiways, and upgrade existing taxiways to accommodate future growth.
At Mackay Airport, the funding will facilitate essential runway, apron, and taxiway surface upgrades. It will also contribute to the development of a mixed retail and commercial precinct, further enhancing the airport’s role as a regional economic hub.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for those living and working in North Queensland. This funding will help make air travel faster and easier for people in North Queensland, connecting families and businesses to the rest of Queensland, the nation, and the world. Projects like this strengthen the economy of Northern Australia. And a strong north means a strong Australia.”
The projects are projected to deliver $1.4 billion in economic benefits during both construction and operation phases, creating 500 direct and indirect jobs during construction and nearly 1,500 regional jobs once operational.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm, emphasised the importance of these upgrades for regional Queensland’s air travel network. “Being Australia’s most decentralised state, airports like Mackay and Cairns play a vital role in making sure Queensland continues to be a great place to live and visit. Projects like these stimulate economic growth through backing critical infrastructure developments in our country’s northern towns and cities.”
Senator for Queensland, Nita Green, added, “As a regional Senator, I travel through the regional airports almost every week, I know firsthand how important these upgrades are for our communities. Whether you’re taking the milk run or travelling to capital cities for work or to see friends and family, it is these airports that people in rural and regional Queensland rely on. That’s why this investment is so important.”
North Queensland Airports Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “The extensive infrastructure upgrades that will be assisted by this loan will set our airports up for ongoing success as our communities develop and grow. This loan recognizes our airports’ critical roles across the Cairns and Mackay regions, contributing to tourism, freight, business, the resources industry, and more.”
Cairns Airport, Australia’s seventh busiest for international passengers, will particularly benefit from these enhancements, supporting tourism, resources, and agricultural industries by encouraging business travel and facilitating air freight of fresh produce and other goods.
This latest funding from NAIF brings the agency’s total investments in Queensland projects to over $1.6 billion, continuing its mission to support the aviation sector in northern Australia. Previous beneficiaries of NAIF funding include Townsville Airport, the Northern Territory’s Airport Development Group, and Connellan Airport through Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.
With these upgrades, Cairns and Mackay Airports are set to play an even more pivotal role in the economic and social development of North Queensland, ensuring they remain vital gateways for both locals and visitors.
