Northern Midlands Council has welcomed Launceston Airport's $3.5 million redevelopment, saying the upgrade will undoubtedly benefit businesses in the region and the area as a whole.
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The airport officially unveiled the changes on Thursday, lifting the lid on the Launceston Store - an outlet offering exclusively Tasmanian products, and new Mandarin signage seeking to cater for the increasingly important Chinese market.
As well as creating jobs in construction, the development is also likely to create permanent retail jobs in the precinct’s new stores.
Northern Midlands mayor David Downie was positive the development would improve visitors' experience of the state.
“The improvements have added value to the many businesses on the site, including the Boag’s restaurant, Launceston Airport Car Parking and Whiskey Distillery, to name a few,” Cr Downie said.
Cr Downie said it was important to note that while council and the Launceston Airport had not seen eye to eye on rate issues in recent times, the two remained united in wanting the best for the region.
“As mayor of Northern Midlands Council and on behalf of the councillors, I acknowledge the working relationship that exists between the Launceston Airport and Council, which is highlighted by the collaboration on the Launceston Gateway Precinct Master Plan Project,” Mayor Downie said.
Cr Downie said it was important that council and the airport continued to work together to find a solution to the rates issue.
Premier Will Hodgman, who launched the redevelopment with airport general manager Paul Hodgen, said he hoped the upgrades would help create a “lasting first impression for one of the most popular gateways to Tasmania”.
“The impact of this investment is transformative; Tasmania is definitely making it more and more difficult for travellers to leave our state, and giving them every reason to return,” Mr Hodgman said.
“Tourism is growing from strength to strength, and it is important that our infrastructure continues to grow to continue that momentum and meet the growing demands.”