Rockhampton Airport jets into next 20 years

Published on 11 November 2016

Rockhampton Airport is about to jet into the next 20 years by forging partnerships beyond our borders, increasing passenger numbers and positioning itself as the Gateway to Northern Australia as the final touches of the Airport Masterplan are put in place.

Scott Waters, Rockhampton Regional Council’s Acting Executive Manager Regional Development, said the Airport was a key piece of infrastructure for our community and will play a major role in the coming years to boost economic prosperity across the Region.

“We’re currently finalising Rockhampton Airport’s Masterplan, detailing the strategic direction for the next 20 years in the five key areas of passenger movements, cargo/freight, military defence support, general aviation and future international growth,” Mr Waters said.

“We’re positioning our Airport and Region as the Gateway to Northern Australia, an economic, social and community hub. It’s very achievable as we’re well placed with current infrastructure and perfectly positioned geographically with transport and logistics linkages, particularly with the proposed Rockhampton Ring Road linking the Airport directly with the Bruce Highway and indirectly with the Burnett, Capricorn and Leichardt Highways.

“Our aim in the next 20 years is to deliver one of the most connected pieces of aviation infrastructure in the country with the flow on benefits to the local community including increased jobs, transport and logistics as well trade opportunities.”

Mr Waters said the recent success of Exercise Wallaby showed once again the remarkable capacity in what is one of the best local government owned and operated airports in Australia.

“There’s no doubt about the sheer volume and capacity we can handle given that 34 international Charter flights across the A330, 777 and 787 aircraft types have operated through the airport over the past 12 weeks. This is in addition to 12 Antonov and 124 strategic airlift movements that supported the high volume of military aircraft activity that operated in and out of the airport during the last three months, all while we continued with our domestic services.

“The smooth and efficient co-ordination of military and civilian aviation requirements has been led by our Airport Operations team and broader Airport stakeholders who have once again met the stringent requirements of the Australian Defence Force and Singapore Armed Forces - the strength of our partnerships with the ADF/SAF will continue well into the future.”

While the Airport’s partnerships with the military, including long-standing relationships with our airline partners are set to continue, it’s building upon these and forging new partnerships that the Airport’s Masterplan will focus on.

“It’s an exciting time for the Airport as we build stronger regional, national and international partnerships, increase passenger numbers, work with industry stakeholders and position this major piece of infrastructure as the Gateway to Northern Australia well into the future.” 

The Airport Masterplan will be officially released in December.