Victoria’s second international airport is on schedule to be operational by early December – creating around 200 jobs thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today inspected construction of Avalon Airport’s international terminal – a massive 7000 square metre building – which has created 80 jobs during construction.
The development means Geelong and the Great Ocean Road will have a dedicated curfew-free international airport right on its doorstep - boosting tourism and creating jobs.
By Christmas, AirAsia will fly twice daily between Avalon and Kuala Lumpur, bringing over 400,000 international passengers annually through the airport, on top of the 250,000 domestic passengers who use the airport now.
The new international airport will also boost Victorian exports – with the new international terminal having capacity to export around 14 tonnes of freight every day to over 130 destinations every year.
The Labor Government has been a strong backer of Avalon – helping secure Jetstar’s future at the airport and investing $1.5 million in infrastructure works at the new industrial precinct, which will be home to 750 new jobs, including Cotton On Group’s purpose-built distribution centre.
The Government is investing to make regional Victoria an even more attractive place for visitors, including ongoing support for the Australian International Airshow at Avalon, which attracts 200,000 visitors to the region.
In July the Labor Government launched a major regional tourism campaign to bring more Melburnians and interstate visitors to regional Victoria to support jobs and boost local economies.
The Your Happy Space campaign showcases Victoria’s stunning regions, diverse experiences and world-class food, art, music, nature and culture.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“The new Avalon international terminal is creating hundreds of jobs and boosting exports – opening up regional Victoria to the world.”
“A second curfew free international airport is a gamechanger for Victorian tourism - creating jobs and boosting the regional economy.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Member for Lara John Eren
“Avalon Airport’s new terminal will be the gateway for tens of thousands of visitors to explore Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road, boosting tourism to the region.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“The new international terminal at Avalon Airport is another milestone for Geelong. More jobs and increased tourism is great for Geelong businesses, and great for Geelong’s economy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020