Promise check: $38 million to expand Hobart International Airport

Updated

Tony Abbott promised his Government would upgrade Hobart's International Airport to strengthen the economic and tourism capacity of Tasmania.

In a press release on August 15, 2013, Mr Abbott said: "If elected, the Coalition will invest $38 million to increase the length of the runway at Hobart International Airport and associated works."

The promise is also contained in the Coalition's Economic Growth Plan for Tasmania.

It says the $38 million is "subject to Hobart International Airport entering into commercial negotiations for an agreement for regular international flights by an overseas international carrier - such as Qantas, Singapore Airlines or Air New Zealand - or negotiations for an agreement for use be large Antarctic research aircraft or negotiations for international charter flights".

The Coalition says the project will enhance Hobart's "Antarctic expertise and position as a world-centre for Antarctic research and field operations".

The investment is to extend the runway by 500 metres. During the two-year construction period the project is expected to generate up to 200 jobs.

Assessing the promise

The 2014-15 budget allocated $38 million over three years to the project, but as completion of the project and delivery of funds extends beyond the 2016 election, this promise is considered to be in progress.

Here's how the promise tracked:

Topics: air-transport, liberals, federal-government, hobart-7000, tas, australia

First posted