TOWNSVILLE Airport will soon see a significant upgrade after the Australian Government last week approved a 3,300 square metre terminal expansion, including new airport lounges, upgraded check-in systems and expanded retail offerings.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss described the project as a great addition to the Australian Government's commitment to invest in northern Australia.

Above: View of Townsville from Castle Hill / by John Skewes.

"More than $50 million will be invested in the building, construction, engineering, architectural and other local industries. The project will generate around 116 full time construction jobs and, once completed, is expected to employ approximately 54 people," Mr Truss said.

"The terminal upgrade will support growth in passenger numbers and address major bottlenecks the airport is experiencing."

The redevelopment is expected to commence shortly and the majority of works will be completed by mid-2017. The terminal will operate business-as-usual during construction works, and the airport will implement a staged construction approach to minimise inconvenience and disruption to passengers.

More information is available from the Townsville Airport website at <http://www.townsvilleairport.com.au/>.

Photo: View of Townsville from Castle Hill / John Skewes / Licensed under Creative Commons BY-ND 2.0.