Media Statement - 15th January 2008
The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese today launched the first stage of Melbourne Airport’s $330 million terminal upgrade projects during a ceremony at the airport.
Mr Albanese said, “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to turn the first sod on some of Victoria’s largest construction projects here at Melbourne Airport.
“ Melbourne Airport expects the upgrade projects to create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase, with significant benefit for Melbourne’s economy.
“High quality airport infrastructure is critical to the Australian economy and to our future prosperity.
“These construction projects will deliver benefits not only for Victoria, but for Australia as a whole.
“ Melbourne Airport has said that around 4.5 million international passengers already pass through the Airport every year. With these upgrades, many more people will be able to visit or transit through the city of Melbourne.
“ Melbourne is already Australia’s second busiest airport and is growing in both domestic and international passengers,” Mr Albanese said.
Over the next five years, Melbourne Airport will undertake a series of upgrade projects to create an extra 25,000 square metres of space, including a new passenger concourse with five extra gates, a new customs and security protection zone, improved lounge and shopping precinct, and baggage facilities.
At Melbourne Airport, Mr Albanese also opened a new Australian-built training simulator at Airservices Australia at Melbourne Airport to expand the skills of the nation’s air traffic controllers.
The Visual Tower Simulator provides a realistic 360 degree experience for trainees and improves quality of training over shorter periods.
“The world-class simulator was built and installed by Australian company, Adacel, and can replicate almost any situation a trainee may find themselves in, including snow or severe wind, which will assist them to operate in diverse environments,” Mr Albanese said.
“The Government is proud to invest in Australian aviation training and provide the skilled controllers, pilots, technicians and mechanics the nation needs to deal with expected increases in air traffic.”