The Rockhampton Airport has been named the 2007 Australian Major Airport of the Year at the prestigious National Awards in recognition of Excellence in Australian Aviation, in Melbourne on November 13, 2007.
Winning the award ahead of more than 30 other airports in its category, the Rockhampton Airport’s redevelopment work, modern passenger terminal and environmental initiatives clearly impressed the judges!
Mayor of Rockhampton, Cr Margaret Strelow said this national award recognises the results of recent outstanding management and development by Mr David Blackwell.
“If ever there was a clear argument against selling this great asset for the City, we now have it,” Cr Strelow said.
“Mr Blackwell and his team, together with Rockhampton City Council and especially Chair of the Rockhampton Airport Management Committee, Deputy Mayor Cr Jim Webber have developed a nationally recognised facility which will hold our regional community in good stead for a long time into the future.
“With the recent $8 million refurbishment we now have a modern and comfortable terminal building with separate international passenger facilities and flight viewing deck,” she said.
The airport won in the category for airports that can handle planes with seating for 100 people or more. This category does not include the eight airports which are the largest in their State or mainland Territory, as they competed in the Capital City Airport of the Year.
General Manager of Rockhampton Airport, Mr David Blackwell said with over 100 services a week to Sydney, Brisbane and North Queensland, the Rockhampton Airport provided a vital service to the Rockhampton district, Capricorn Coast and the Central Queensland mining communities of the Bowen Basin.
“I am thrilled that we have won national recognition as the Major Airport of the Year and take this opportunity to thank our fantastic staff, as this is truly a pat on the back for them,” Mr Blackwell said.
“In simple terms, judging for this award was based on anything special or outstanding that has been completed during the 2006/07 financial year and our airport terminal redevelopment and market research ability really impressed the judges,” he said.
In the 2006/07 Financial Year, Rockhampton Airport had 650,000 domestic and approximately 6,000 international passengers travel through the terminal.
With the introduction of direct flights to/from Melbourne with Tiger Airways next week, domestic passenger numbers are expected to grow to 700,000 per year.