GETTING in and out of the Hervey Bay Airport will soon be easier, with work commencing on an upgrade to the new car park system.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said upgrades at the airport are progressing alongside rising passenger numbers since Jetstar launched direct flights between Hervey Bay and Melbourne in June.
“Passenger numbers have steadily increased each month, with a 44.3% rise since September 2023,” he said.
“The Hervey Bay Airport is busier than ever, handling 20,000 passengers per month, further solidifying the Fraser Coast as a must-visit destination.”
Cr Seymour said work on the new ticketless car park system starts next week and is due to be finished by November 2024.
“This system offers greater convenience, is eco-friendly, and will reduce entry and exit times,” he said.
“Council recently introduced 30 minutes of free parking, removing the need to use the two-minute lane for pick up and drop off, making travel more affordable for our community.
“The 30-minute free parking will remain, but those staying longer will need to pay at one of two new payment machines before exiting the car park.
“You can pay at the terminal by inputting your number plate into the payment machine or you can simply drive to the exit gate and swipe your credit card.
“Council is committed to continually upgrading the airport to make the overall travel experience more comfortable and convenient for passengers.”
Hervey Bay Airport has commercial flights that operate regularly to and from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Lady Elliot Island and K’gari.
Earlier this year, the airport’s departure lounge received an interim upgrade to accommodate 250 passengers and reduce crowding during peak times. Permanent improvements are expected to begin in July 2025.
“In the coming months, we will also upgrade the baggage handling system with state-of-the-art equipment,” Cr Seymour said.
“This new equipment will reduce wait times, minimise breakdowns, and make luggage handling quicker and more efficient.”
Cr Seymour said the growing number of passengers is a great sign for the region.
“With the increased interstate flights from Melbourne and Sydney, we are seeing more and more people recognise what a great destination the Fraser Coast is,” he said.
“Council is focused on building a strong, resilient and diversified economy, and having a strong aviation sector and thriving tourism industry is key to that vision.”
