Cloncurry Aviation Precinct - Renewal and Upgrade Project - Stage 1

The Cloncurry Aviation Precinct - Renewal and Upgrade Project - Stage 1 will deliver much needed investment into one of the region's key transport assets: the Cloncurry Airport.

The renewals and upgrades to runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting, drainage and electrical systems will ensure that the Cloncurry Airport is able to continue playing a crucial role as a key facility for:

  • The transit of FIFO workers servicing the Critical Minerals sector of North West Queensland.
  • The delivery of RPT services to Cloncurry.
  • Accessing aeromedical services.
  • The coordination of Counter Disaster Operations and disaster recovery efforts during times of flood and bushfire.
  • General aviation operations, including charters and the Horizon Airways Flight School.
  • Drone testing operations.

The Airport is going through a period of sustained growth and with Copperstring 2032 FIFO operations and the potential advent of Harmony’s Eva Copper Mine in the next few years, the below numbers are expected to grow:

YEAR PAX
2017-18 59,814
2018-19 59,211
2019-20 54,911
2020-21 57,165
2021-22 69,531
2022-23 74,561
2023-24 82,893

Project Status

Council has now progressed to 90% design on the Cloncurry Aviation Precinct - Renewals and Upgrade Project - Stage 1. These designs will inform the Design and Construct procurement process that will commence from early January 2025.

Council has since progressed, peer reviewed, and confirmed the design and delivery methodology for upgrades to the Cloncurry Airport. Subject to receipt of external funding, these renewals and upgrades will include:

  • Resurfacing and upgrading Runway 12/30 with a 60mm dense-graded asphalt overlay
  • Upgrading Aerodrome Ground Lighting (AGL) to ensure compliance with current standards
  • Upgrading Apron Lighting to ensure compliance with current standards and to provide sufficient illumination to enable night-time flight operations
  • Stabilisation and seal of runway 06/24
  • Line-marking
  • Drainage and flanking works

These designs and associated scope were derived from a detailed master planning process completed in 2023. This process involved the Airport Masterplanning Advisory Committee and progressed through Strategic Assessment Review, Master Plan, and Concept Design Report:

Stage 2 works will be focused on:

  • Stabilisation and seal of runway 06/24
  • Reseal of General Aviation taxiway and apron

Progress Updates

February 2025
Release of tender and completion of on-site tender briefing session with select tenderers.

November 2024
Finalisation of design documentation for pavements, lighting, line-marking, drainage completed (90%) for incorporation into Design and Construct procurement documentation to be released in early January 2025.

October 2024
Cost Benefit Analysis (financial and economic analysis of the proposed project) completed by AEC. CBA identifies a CBR of 3.27 and NPV of $$73.7m

August 2024
Completed detailed engineering survey of the existing pavements and associated infrastructure.

June 2024
Completed subsequent peer review to verify suitability of pavement analysis and proposed methodology for renewals and upgrades to the

May 2024
Completed Cloncurry Airport Pavement Concept Analysis to inform concept designs for the renewal of the aircraft pavement at Cloncurry airport. The pavement analysis included the main runway, secondary runway and the taxiways/aprons associated with both.

August 2023
Completed peer review of the masterplan and concept design for the airside works at Cloncurry Airport, prepared for Cloncurry Shire Council by Ramboll.

July 2023
Council’s Consultant, Ramboll, Completed technical documentation and concept design for the master plan.

March 2023
The Airport Masterplan options were presented to Council on the 10 March 2023 with a final masterplan concept selected.

February 2023
Council decided on an Advisory Committee for the Cloncurry Airport Master Plan. The committee’s role is to help guide the Airport Master Planning process. Council sought industry representatives and key stakeholders to join Council’s Mayor and CEO on the committee.

November 2022
Nominations closed for the Cloncurry Airport Master Plan Advisory Committee.

October 2022
Nominations opened for the Cloncurry Airport Master Plan Advisory Committee.

Funding Source

This project is funded by Cloncurry Shire Council and the Preparing Australian Communities - Local Stream Program.

Council is now looking to finalise funding arrangements to deliver the Cloncurry Aviation Precinct – Renewals and Upgrade Project – Stage 1.

Location

Cloncurry Airport.

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