Central Highland’s front door open for development
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Posted on August 21, 2023
A return to pre-covid passenger numbers through the Emerald Airport was the highlight of the end-of-financial-year draft report discussed at Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) meeting held on Monday 14 August 2023.
The quarterly meeting is made up of councillors, representatives from the community and other airport stakeholders. Discussion topics include proposed projects for the next financial year and over the life of the Airport Masterplan.
At this AAC meeting, the development of a carwash to be situated at the airport facility was discussed.
‘It was a timely conversation,’ said Mayor Kerry Hayes.
‘Reports presented at the meeting show the incredible importance of the airport to the region, with passenger numbers for the last financial year reaching 207,000 and parking revenue up 11%,’ he continued.
’Airport logistics are critical to our economy and an important consideration in liveability conversations in our community’.
‘Being only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Brisbane by air is a favourable position for the Central Highlands and we need to build on this opportunity,’ Mayor Hayes concluded.
Council acknowledges the benefit of encouraging further development of the airport site by introducing complimentary services such as the recently proposed carwash. The volume of rental vehicles situated at the airport gives a promising outlook to the success of these proposals.
A carwash is just one of many viable options for lease holding at the airport. Other options could include restaurants, retailers, or accommodation.
Council is invested in reinforcing the critical importance of the airport to our region. Encouragement of advertising and seeking development applications from private businesses are steps that council can take to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of the site.
The AAC members are advocates for the introduction of other carriers to the airport and guide council’s thinking around airport management,’ said Mayor Hayes.
‘We are not developers, but we are the key enablers at this site to make sure that the whole region benefits,’ he said.
Other discussion topics at the AAC meeting included the Royal Flying Doctor Service patient transfer facility, the cost of fares and price competition, and the possibility of opening new routes.
To learn more about the Airport Advisory Committee, head to council’s website here.
If you have any enquiries, please contact council on 1300 242 686.