Federal funding to help Hobart soar

The Albanese Government has signed off on the business plan for the Hobart Airport runway expansion, and $60 million of funding promised in the election will now flow to deliver the project

The project, which is due to commence in July, will see the runway, taxis and apron become fit for use by larger Code E aircraft such as Boeing 787 and Airbus 350.

This will enable Hobart Airport to service long-distance freight and wide-body international passenger flights, supporting direct flights to Asia for the first time and increasing capability as Australia’s Antarctic gateway.

Along with widening works, the project includes aeronautical ground lighting and electrical systems reform, and it will extend the runway’s operational lifespan to be used well into the future.

Construction is expected to create 197 full-time-equivalent jobs, with a further 1,261 indirect jobs forecast across Tasmania over the life of the upgraded runway.

Construction is set to be complete by March 2025. 

The Australian Government has committed $60 million towards the $130 million project, with Hobart International Airport Pty Limited to provide the remaining $70 million. 

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“I’m thrilled to announce $60 million in Australian Government funding towards the Hobart Airport Runway Upgrade project.

“Once complete, this much-needed upgrade will enable direct flights between Hobart and Asia, bringing in additional visitors and tourism spending to Tasmania.

“Direct Hobart to Asia routes will also allow exports to reach their destination faster, in better quality, greatly benefiting Tasmanian businesses and producers – particularly the fresh produce sector.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Franklin Julie Collins:

“I’m proud to be part of the Albanese Labor Government which is delivering on the commitment we made to upgrade Hobart Airport. 

“This vital upgrade will further increase Hobart’s infrastructure capabilities as Australia’s Antarctic gateway, helping to retain and grow economic activity from the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sectors in Tasmania.

“It will also provide a welcome jobs boon for our region and transport industry, with nearly 200 construction jobs and a further 1,261 ongoing jobs across Tassie set to be created thanks to the upgraded runway.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:

“Growing the capacity at Hobart Airport and improving flight safety with new lighting will be a boost for local businesses and tourism in Tasmania.

“This is a project for Tasmania’s future, ensuring contemporary and future needs are met for our growing state.

“I’m thrilled the Albanese Government is investing in this vital project, as it demonstrates our commitment to improving key infrastructure in Tasmania”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell:

“We’ve seen passenger numbers grow from 900,000 to over 2 million per year from 1998 to 2020. And by 2042, more than 5.5 million passengers are forecast to pass through Hobart Airport, 350,000 of which will be from direct international destinations.

“This will support remarkable benefits for our tourism and local businesses, which is why our Government is tipping in $60 million for this upgrade to ensure Hobart Airport is up to meeting this growth task.

“Air freight is also expected to continue to increase, benefiting Tasmanian investment in fresh produce including seafood, meat, fruit, vegetables and the dairy sectors.”