The Minister for Regional Services and Local Communities, Catherine King, today joined local Federal Member, Sid Sidebottom, to announce a $500,000 federal funding boost towards the upgrade of the King Island Airport Terminal, made available through round three of the Regional Development Australia Fund.
The upgrade will double the capacity of the terminal to allow for the island’s future economic development, streamline arrivals and departures, and increase the space available for retail and tourist outlets.
Local Member Sid Sidebottom said that the upgrade would deliver benefits to locals, businesses and tourists alike.
“King Island has carved out a special niche as a desirable destination and for its products. The upgrade will greatly enhance its attractiveness for tourists,” Mr Sidebottom said.
Minister Catherine King congratulated the King Island Council, whose successful RDAF application was selected from a strong pool of contenders.
“The application process for this round of funding proved very competitive, with all applications scrutinised against eligibility, risk, viability and value-for-money criteria,” said Minister King.
“The airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for King Island and its redevelopment will provide a major boost for this vibrant, remote community.”
Mr Sidebottom said that the project would deliver employment benefits to the region, creating jobs throughout the project construction and sustaining further employment after its completion.
“This project means jobs for the island’s economy now and lasting benefits for the community over the longer term. It will mean local employment as well as a major upgrade to local transport infrastructure,” said Mr Sidebottom.
“Since 2007, the federal Labor Government has been working with the Tasmanian Government, businesses and the community to secure jobs in Tasmania. Projects like this and the Jobs and Growth Plan currently being developed will help to diversify and strengthen the state’s economy.”
Under RDAF round three, 79 infrastructure projects across Australia were identified for funding.
“The latest round of regional funding builds on our record $14 billion for community projects and continues our long-term investment in local communities including in health and hospitals, higher education, the NBN and infrastructure,” Minister King said.
The project is expected to be completed by August 2015.
More information on the Regional Development Australia Fund can be found at www.regional.gov.au