The Hon Peter Dutton – Leader of the Opposition, Federal Member for Dickson
Senator The Hon Bridget McKenzie – Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Leader of the Nationals in the Senate
22 March 2025
An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest $37 million to improve Launceston Airport and Flinders Island Airport in Tasmania, supporting growth in tourism, trade and the continuation of critical regional aviation services across the state’s north.
This announcement includes $27 million towards the $100 million redevelopment of Launceston Airport, delivering major upgrades to the terminal and airfield, and includes $2 million to develop a detailed business case for a new Freight and Logistics Hub to improve freight capacity and efficiency.
A further $10 million will be committed to Stage 2 of the Flinders Island Airport upgrade, which will resurface and reconstruct the runway to improve safety and reliability – delivering a much-needed boost to Tasmania’s tourism, business, and emergency services, and ensuring the airport can continue to support essential operations, including the vital work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, who was in Western Junction today to make the announcement, said strengthening regional aviation through practical, productivity-boosting infrastructure was essential to securing Tasmania’s economic future and keeping regional communities connected.
“Launceston Airport is Tasmania’s northern gateway – a vital hub for jobs, tourism, and trade that plays a key role in strengthening the state’s economy and supporting hundreds of local jobs,” Mr Dutton said.
“This announcement is part of our commitment to invest in productivity-enhancing infrastructure that drives growth, boosts freight efficiency, creates sustainable jobs, and supports local industries – because only the Coalition has a real plan to get regional Tasmania Back on Track, while Labor continues to overlook the needs of these communities.”
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the Coalition Government was proud to deliver upgrades, ensuring regional airports can accommodate larger, modern commercial jets carrying more passengers. “We know that our regional airports provide an essential link to the rest of Australia which is not only important for tourism but also the health, economic development and growth of our communities,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The Coalition is providing this funding to help regional airports invest in practical upgrades that create long-term benefits, so communities can continue to have access to freight, work, essential
services, health care, family and friends no matter where they live.”
The Coalition will also deliver on the $2.68 million grant for critical upgrades to Flinders Island Airport’s electrical and lighting systems and the construction of a new operations office to support year-round, all-weather operations.
Only the Coalition has a clear plan to get Tasmania Back on Track – by delivering the infrastructure that drives regional growth, supports local industries, and strengthens the communities that call Tasmania home.