Media Release

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter today applauded Member for Dalrymple Shane Knuth for securing $13 million in funding for the upgrade to Mareeba airport, which will soon be the airport for the Atherton Tablelands and the much needed second airport for Far North Queensland.

“We congratulate Shane Knuth MP for having secured the money for the upgrading of the Mareeba airport.

“We also sincerely thank the Queensland Government – they haven’t been there long but already money is flowing into Far North Queensland.

“This airport will be the airport for the Atherton Tablelands, servicing a local population of 70,000 and providing a much needed alternative and second airport to the 350,000 residents of Far North Queensland.

“The airport upgrade will enhance our opportunities to export to the Asia Pacific region.

“There are high value per kilo products such as quartered beef, milk and dairy products, fruit and vegetables which cannot presently be transported swiftly out of Far North Queensland.

“This is a region which has the highest concentration of dairy, fruit and vegetable production of any centre in Australia and the upgraded Mareeba airport will be 3,000 km closer to the markets of the world,” Mr Katter said.