Flinders juggles cash for airport

FLINDERS Island’s lifeline has been saved by a new funding commitment from the Federal Government, says Flinders Mayor Annie Revie.

The Government has agreed to fork out the entire $3.6 million cost of an upgrade to the island’s airport and runways to bring it into line with Civil Aviation Safety Authority standards.

Cr Revie said without the airport “we’d be totally isolated”.

Tasmanian National Party senator Steve Martin previously promised $1.8 million for the airport and $4.8 million for a marina for the Flinders Island Marine Access and Safe Harbour Project.

The council needed a further $1.8 million to complete the runway upgrade and the Safe Harbour Project was not ready for development.

Last year, Treasurer and now Premier Peter Gutwein, offered the council a five-year interest-free loan, but Cr Revie said the council would not have been able to repay it.

Cr Revie said with the assistance of Bass MP Bridget Archer, council won agreement for the Government to transfer $1.8 million from the harbour project to fully fund the runway upgrade and allow council to use the remaining $3 million to complete viability studies into developing a marina.

The request was granted this month.

Acting General Manager Heidi Marshall said the decision was a win-win and would help improve maritime safety.

“Both projects will help boost economic growth and improve tourism on the island,” she said. “It’s a very exciting time for Flinders Island.”