Deputy Premier and Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State
The Honourable Paul Lucas
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Bligh Government invests $200,000 to showcase Queensland’s aviation industry
Acting Premier Paul Lucas today announced that the Wide Bay Australia International Air Show would receive a $200,000 boost from the Bligh Government to help promote the state’s thriving aviation industry to the world.
The investment in this year’s Wide Bay Australia International Air Show – the largest general aviation show in Australia – will throw the spotlight on the Wide Bay Burnett region as an emerging aviation centre of excellence.
Visiting the region today, Mr Lucas said there were significant opportunities for industry growth into the future.
“The Bligh Government – through Events Queensland and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Industry (DEEDI) – is investing in this great event because it showcases the potential of this industry to a national and international audience,” Mr Lucas said.
“Almost 30 per cent of Australia’s aviation firms are located in Queensland – and that means jobs for around 16,500 people.
“We know that the Wide Bay Burnett region already has a number of successful local operations including light aircraft manufacturing, aircraft engine manufacturing, avionics, aircraft painting and surface coating and testing facilities.
“We want to seize on the potential to grow and expand even further because it’s good for local jobs, local business and the regional economy as a whole.”
Mr Lucas said the Wide Bay Burnett was one of the best locations in the country to grow the general aviation and aerospace industry because of its great climate and lifestyle, and strong support from the local community.
“I visited the air show on two occasions and have been thoroughly impressed with both the business component and also the general entertainment for families and aviation enthusiasts,” Mr Lucas said.
“The last time this event was held, in 2009, it attracted more than 22,000 people and delivered an economic boost of more than $5 million.
“This year I am confident it will be another resounding success, and I would like to thank everyone involved in delivering this great event for the region and Queensland.”
Highlights of the three-day event in Bundaberg from August 19-21 include:
- A trade and careers day on Friday August 19 promoting the region as an aviation centre of excellence;
- Live performances by former RAAF Fighter Combat (Top Gun) instructor and the first ever Australian to compete in the Red Bull Air Race World Championships, Matt Hall; and
- World War II aircraft and post World War II aircraft displays such as the Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG-15) aircraft, the Hawker Hunter and the North American Aviation T-28 Trojan.
For more information on the event visit www.widebayairshow.com.au
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