Page 26 - Tropic Magazine Issue 21

TROPIC • TOURISM

2
Environmental
1
Take off Tropic the spin-off benefits include aviation roadmap
development, regional investment and
job creation. “This will help attract more Rubbish clean-ups, tree plantings
EXPORT HUB and the sponsorship of wildlife
airlines to Cairns because as things medicine are all part of Cairns
A new freight distribution build, it attracts more around it,” he said. Airport’s ambitious commitment
centre at Cairns Airport propels “The export hub supports our vision for to sustainability. Nestled
the prospect of more planes. sustainable aviation growth and identifies between the World Heritage-
the enormous export potential that exists
Words: Renee Cluff for producers from across the Far North. listed Great Barrier Reef and
We can expect it will make it easier and Wet Tropics rainforest, Cairns
A one-stop shop for agricultural and more efficient to get vital overseas markets Airport has partnered with several
seafood exports is expected to draw more for our farmers and commercial fishers.” organisations to reduce its
direct international flights to Cairns
As well as ensuring the region’s freight environmental footprint.
doesn’t have to go south to be exported,
the 3,400 square metre hub will help fill
The export hub supports the bellies of planes to complement the
already-existing leisure passenger market.
our vision for sustainable It’s long been an economic challenge for
aviation growth carriers who fly directly to Cairns to rely
solely on tourists. Construction on the new
Airport CEO hub will begin in the second quarter of
Norris Carter 2020 and is scheduled for completion
in mid-2021.
3
Airport. Air Freight Handling Service’s
$10 million Regional Distribution Centre 1. An artist’s impression of the export hub
is aimed at boosting access to overseas 2. Redden Island clean-up. Credit: Parley Australia PARLEY AUSTRALIA
markets for farmers and fishers. However, 3. Tree planting to offset carbon emissions. Credit: Together with Parley Australia
Martin Stringer Photographer
Cairns Airport CEO Norris Carter told 4. Cairns Domestic Airport Upgrade and the Yirrganydji Rangers, 548
kilograms of rubbish was removed
New Arrivals from the Airport’s Redden Island
in the past two community
The $55 million redevelopment clean-ups alone.
of Cairns Airport’s domestic
terminal continues apace with the RAINFOREST RESCUE
opening of local food and beverage For every day the Airport operates,
outlets The Pier Bar and Rattle n Rainforest Rescue plants a tree in
Hum as well as Relay and kikki.K. the Daintree Rainforest to offset
Passengers will notice further store carbon emissions. The Airport has
openings over coming months 4 also committed to picking up a
including caffeinator favourites piece of rubbish for every plane
White Whale Coffee Roasters. that takes off.
KUR-Cow beef from Kuranda, Gallo
cheese from Malanda and local BOONGARY VET
seafood, fruit and vegetables are Cairns Airport provides Boongary
also on the T2 menu, which has a Vet with life-saving medicines
distinctly regional focus. for wildlife.

26 • Tropic • Issue 21