Wirraway
29th Jul 2004, 06:41
Thurs "Courier Mail"
Hervey Bay Airport Upgrade
HERVEY Bay Airport will undergo an $11 million extension and upgrade so it can take Boeing 737 aircraft operating from capital cities. At present, visitors to the bay and nearby Fraser Island have to fly from Brisbane on small twin- engine aircraft.
But Hervey Bay City Council is discussing the introduction of jet services with Virgin Blue and Jetstar airlines.
A council spokesman said extending the runway and construction of a new runway would be completed by the end of next year.
The project was aimed at promoting the Fraser Coast as a major tourism destination for national and international visitors.
Local residents and businesspeople would benefit by access to cheaper airfares and national airlines with direct flights to capital cities.
"An average of three flights per weeks have been predicted to service the market in the medium term," the spokesman said.
There would be minimal impact through increased traffic and noise.
"The noise level of a Boeing 737 is only three decibels higher than the Short 360 aircraft that now operate," the spokesman said.
The council considered the development was the most important capital infrastructure project the city had undertaken. Significantly for ratepayers, there would be no need for external borrowings to cover the cost.
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Hervey Bay Airport Upgrade
HERVEY Bay Airport will undergo an $11 million extension and upgrade so it can take Boeing 737 aircraft operating from capital cities. At present, visitors to the bay and nearby Fraser Island have to fly from Brisbane on small twin- engine aircraft.
But Hervey Bay City Council is discussing the introduction of jet services with Virgin Blue and Jetstar airlines.
A council spokesman said extending the runway and construction of a new runway would be completed by the end of next year.
The project was aimed at promoting the Fraser Coast as a major tourism destination for national and international visitors.
Local residents and businesspeople would benefit by access to cheaper airfares and national airlines with direct flights to capital cities.
"An average of three flights per weeks have been predicted to service the market in the medium term," the spokesman said.
There would be minimal impact through increased traffic and noise.
"The noise level of a Boeing 737 is only three decibels higher than the Short 360 aircraft that now operate," the spokesman said.
The council considered the development was the most important capital infrastructure project the city had undertaken. Significantly for ratepayers, there would be no need for external borrowings to cover the cost.
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