Whitsunday Coast Airport freight centre opens
Whitsunday Coast Airport’s rapid growth continues to evolve with the opening of the new Freight Distribution Centre.
The new Freight Distribution Centre at the Whitsunday Regional Council owned airport ensures a simple “one stop shop” process for customers wanting to transport any type of freight to chosen destinations.
Mayor Julie Hall said the opening of the freight facility was the first step towards positioning the Whitsunday region as a player in the national and international freight industry.
“By continuing to invest in Whitsunday Coast Airport infrastructure and services, we are demonstrating our commitment to growth and innovation to creating a strong foundation for future economic development.
“This was a joint funded project with Council working in partnership with the Federal government and is a testament to what tiers of government can accomplish when we work together towards a common goal.
“The project will provide new economic opportunities for agriculture, tourism and small business through improved market access, freight efficiencies and new business creation,” Mayor Hall said.
Council’s Chief Operating Officer for Aviation and Tourism Craig Turner said the airport had already signed an agreement with Virgin Australia Cargo and further negotiations with other airline partners are underway.
“We are exploring opportunities to link with Bonza’s planned Whitsunday-Toowoomba route which has the potential to provide an easy link to international freight opportunities for our region,” he said.
“The freight centre means that our staff handle the whole process from packaging, paperwork and ground staff ensuring the freight is loaded on the aircraft.
“It will also mean pet owners no longer need to travel to Mackay or Townsville to transport their pets and can utilise the personal service at our freight centre.
“A major focus for the airport team has been business development to attract new carriers and new destinations to increase passenger and air movement, plus the introduction of freight operations.
“Adding freight to our business plan was a strategic move aimed at maximising the capacity of aircraft to drive additional revenue and provide more reliable and efficient supply of fresh produce for tourism operators.”
Mr Turner said road freight was often impacted during disaster events which further highlighted the importance of increasing our freight operation to give local producers of fruit, vegetables, and live seafood the opportunity to connect with the Sydney and Melbourne Markets.
“Importantly this provides support to local industries while driving extra revenue for the airport, which we are using to support the development of a freight distribution centre expanding our airport into a multi-service logistics hub,” he said.
“This initiative will also support local tourism and other businesses with more efficient delivery and despatch services and could lead to exciting opportunities to expand internationally.
“We have employed a freight officer and some of the airport team are being cross trained to work in both the passenger and freight areas,” he said.
The Freight Distribution Centre was funded by as $250,000 grant from the Australian Government’s National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency with $40,000 support funding from Council.