The Rockliff Liberal Government is building the infrastructure Tasmania needs for now and into the future.
The new Virgin Australia Cargo facility has opened at the Launceston Airport providing a significant boost for Tasmania’s food and beverage exporters.
The Rockliff Liberal Government has invested more than $5 million to the $14 million redevelopment of the airport including the freight facility, the check-in and arrivals halls upgrades.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said the new facility will handle high value cargo each year, providing a fast and efficient route to reach mainland and overseas markets.
“This will be a particular bonus for producers across the north of the state, especially those needing to get time-sensitive goods to markets where air freight is the only option,” Mr Ferguson said.
“It will make a real difference to our world-class seafood and agrifood producers looking to reach domestic and international buyers.
“These products alone are worth more than $910 million to our economy in export earnings each year, currently growing by 17 per cent a year on the back of our dedicated Tasmanian Trade Strategy and Action Plan,” he said.
Virgin and its partner Aus Flight Handling have exclusively leased the facility until 2033, making this the hub for Virgin’s Northern Tasmania cargo operations.
“Virgin Australia’s commitment to the long-term lease of the cargo facility at the Launceston Airport is demonstration of the company’s confidence in this key air freight gateway and Tasmania’s growing export strength,” Mr Ferguson said.
“As the rest of Australia and the rest of the world continue to discover that we have what they want, facilities like this will be vital in locking-in ongoing growth towards our ambitious exports target of $15 billion a year by 2050.
“I congratulate the Launceston Airport management on this achievement, which follows on from the recent opening of the new passenger check-in hall.
“The other great thing about this project is that is has been delivered with great success, despite the challenges of the winter weather, by Tasmanian company Vos Construction.”
