A purpose-built accommodation precinct is taking shape at Cairns Airport.
The expansive new development, positioned on a central 20,000m2 site, is aimed at addressing the region’s critical shortage of quality, short-term accommodation.
Leading Cairns-based property developer MiHaven, through its subsidiary Tropical Airport Accommodation Pty Ltd (TAA), has secured a long-term lease from Cairns Airport to develop the precinct, which will cater to a range of industry and community requirements, including much-needed accommodation for skilled workers.
The first stage will include construction of 183 self-contained units, as well as guest amenities such as meeting and conference spaces, a café and two swimming pools and outdoor entertainment areas.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the project would enable various local industries to grow their operations, and strengthen the capabilities of key community providers, such as health services.
“We have heard from various organisations and sectors that there is a desperate need for more short-term worker accommodation in our region. This precinct has been strategically planned to assist businesses across Tropical North Queensland, including those based at Cairns Airport,” he said.
“A number of airport-based organisations need to fly in workers for vital aviation maintenance works and other services, but they are constrained by a lack of accommodation options. Providing short term accommodation at Cairns Airport will enable operators to house skilled workers for several nights, up to a number of months.
“We believe this development will assist greatly in alleviating the staffing pressures affecting many local organisations. MiHaven have an extensive and proven track record in this sector and we are thrilled to have them take the initiative to create and deliver this project.”
Construction of the first tranche of accommodation is due for completion within two years. It is the final piece of the Cairns Airport business park precinct, which commenced 20 years ago and provides a base for a range of commercial operators and government agencies.
MiHaven Director James Mort said: “Sarah and I are delighted to have this opportunity to create a truly Cairns-based project with all consultants and contractors being deployed locally from Cairns. This is Cairns through and through, directly investing more than $60 million into our economy.”
Key local organisations have already expressed overwhelming interest in the development, Mr Mort said.
“This is not a ‘build it and they will come’ project. If anything, we will probably say, why did we not build more at the time, given the overwhelming response we have received to date, even before we could make this project public,” he said.
MiHaven will also deliver a First Nations training and employment program to support the project, with an onsite training facility to be developed during construction, providing five new First Nations apprenticeship outcomes.
The development coincides with construction of the nearby Eastern Aviation Precinct, which will provide new aircraft maintenance and repair resources, including a 10,000m2 common-user hangar. These additional facilities are expected to increase demand for Cairns-based aviation engineers and bolster local training opportunities.
Jet Aviation is a global business aviation service provider offering maintenance, completions, aircraft services, and fix-based operations from some 50 locations worldwide, including Cairns.
Gary Grant, Vice President MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) Operations for Jet Aviation in Cairns said: “This important development will provide much-needed support for the local business community, with reliable, purpose-built accommodation for contractors in a central location.”
“This further helps us to attract the best talent from the region and beyond into our diverse workforce, and support growth and development in the region.”