Liberal Senator Guy Barnett has arranged for key stakeholders to meet to discuss the upgrade of the Launceston Airport Road this Wednesday, 9 December 2009.
In attendance will be Mr Chris Woodruff, CEO of Melbourne and Launceston Airports, as well as Launceston Mayor Albert Van Zetten, Launceston Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer Louise Clark and representatives of the Launceston Airport Corporation, Northern Midlands Council, Northern Tasmania Development (NTD), the Northern Midlands Business Association and the State Liberal Opposition. The meeting will take place at Launceston Airport at 1pm.
“Support is building in the community for a full upgrade to the Evandale Road between Breadalbane and the Launceston Airport,” Senator Barnett said.
“The Launceston Airport Corporation’s annual general meeting in September confirmed their 20 year plan for growth.
“Passenger numbers in 2008/09 reached a record 1.1 million, a 2% increase despite world passenger numbers contracting by 8%, and figures for the first quarter of this financial year have seen a further increase of 4% in passenger numbers to Launceston.
“Commercial and industrial activity in the area has also increased and further significant industrial developments are now expected, including the $100 million Statewide Independent Wholesalers development,” Senator Barnett said.
“The current road is no better than a goat track and is an embarrassment to Northern Tasmania.
“A new double lane carriageway is needed, not just tinkering at the edges. The $1.4 million that the State Government has put forward won’t solve the problem.
“The Airport road is a gateway to Northern Tasmania and should be fully upgraded,” Senator Barnett concluded.