Acting CEO Michael Lamb said the new office has been designed to offer a professional and seamless service for Thrifty’s government and Blue Chip customers.

“Our customer base in Canberra has grown rapidly over the past few months, so we’ve created an innovative space to better meet the needs of our customers,” Mr Lamb said.

“We know our customers want a quick and efficient service, so we’ve built four additional terminals to reduce wait times, added another 20 car parking spaces so we have more vehicles available, and the office is right next to the car park to ensure a speedy getaway,” he said.

“It’s also just a great place to be – the fit-out is bright and modern, and we’ve created a comfortable lounge area with newspapers and coffee or hot chocolate on tap for all our Blue Chip customers.”

The car park express office officially opened on 23 April with a Gala event attended by key government representatives, Canberra Airport staff and Blue Chip customers.

Thrifty has seen an approximately 33% increase in rentals out of Canberra Airport after being named one of two car rental suppliers to the Australian Government under a three year contract in March last year.

The Canberra region has been flagged as a key area of growth for Thrifty, with another purpose built facility recently opening in Fyshwick.

All car rental customers are welcome to take advantage of the new Express Office by signing up to Thrifty’s Blue Chip Preferred Program, which also offers faster booking, priority counters and an arrive and drive service across the country. For more information or to become a Blue Chip customer, visit www.thrifty.com.au/bluechip.

After 100 years, we believe it is time for Canberra to step up and take its place on the global stage as a national capital of which Australians can be justifiably proud. It is time to shed Canberra’s “big country town” image. Having a worldclass airport and a world-class fashion show demonstrate how far this city has come and how much it has to offer.

The very staging of this show speaks volumes about the sophistication and maturity of our city. It says: “We have arrived”. ”We are a city with world class architecture, art and design”.

The catchcry for the Centenary of Canberra is “One very big year” and here at Canberra Airport that has certainly been the case. Our vision for Canberra Airport has been to build the best small airport in the world. The day after Canberra’s 100^th birthday, less than a month ago, we opened this Western Concourse Terminal. By mid year the international facilities will be ready for operation and by the end of 2013 the remaining works around the precinct will be completed.

Fashfest has been driven by local Canberra entrepreneurship and vision; qualities and to all those involved, we salute you.

Supporting Fashfest means we are able support the promotion of local Canberra designers and entrepreneurs. That is a philosophy close to our hearts, as a family that has lived in Canberra for generations and built up our business here.

And we are committed to Fashfest for the long haul, not just in 2013 but in the years to come, because we believe that young talent needs to be fostered and supported over time, building a culture of achievement.

The Fashfest vision articulated by Clinton and his team has been to take people to places they could not ordinarily go and show them what they couldn’t ordinarily see. It is in that spirit, that I am pleased to announce the venue for Fashfest this year, a location that few Fashfest guests will ever experience again, and one that will never be repeated. That venue is…No 3 Molonglo Drive, Brindabella Business Park, just 500 metres from where we are standing right now and it will be transformed into Canberra’s first Fashfest spectacular.

It is a huge venue with a massive atrium and a modern industrial look and in its raw form, but set especially for Fashfest, No 3 Molonglo will be a magnificent backdrop to showcase Canberra’s fashion talent in this inaugural event.

After Fashfest, No. 3 Molonglo will revert to its intended function as state-of-theart, five star office accommodation, so Fashfest 2013 is truly a one-off experience, and for us, a great opportunity to share the Canberra Airport vision with people who might not otherwise experience it.

And as for where we will hold Fashfest in 2014…well, you’ll just have to come back next year to find out!

Clinton, Andrea, and the whole team, congratulations and, again, we are delighted to be a partner in Fashfest.

For media inquiries please contact Jane Seaborne – 0414 829 282.

ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher
Federal Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese
Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr
John Borghetti, CEO Virgin Australia

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls

I’m delighted to welcome you here today to help us celebrate the completion of the Western Concourse Terminal and in so doing also celebrate Canberra’s 100^th birthday.

When our family purchased Canberra Airport almost 15 years ago, what was here was little more than a tin shed in a sheep paddock.

But my father Terry Snow had a clear vision for Canberra Airport to become the best small airport in the world. What you see here today reflects his passion, ambition and drive to get it done. So, thank you, Terry.  Thank you for the opportunity of working with you and I say that not just for me but on behalf of the thousands who have helped put this together.

Canberra Airport truly is the first impression people get of our city. We want people to understand that Canberra has come of age. It is a modern, sophisticated, vibrant city and people should understand that as soon as they walk in here.

Today we are one step closer to realising Terry’s vision. Of course, there’s a little bit more work to do. There is the matter of demolishing the remainder of the old terminal – this “old beast” – completing another two aerobridges and three or four months spent completing the international facilities, but certainly by Christmas, we’ll be there.

By the end of the year we will see the true completion of construction on what will be ultimately a $480 million investment including those international facilities.

Today is not really the time to be mentioning individuals, in fact many of the hard workers are home in bed, having worked through the night.  But I want to thank the architects Guida Moseley Brown, the construction managers Construction Control and my team at Canberra Airport have done a splendid job.  I congratulate you.

I particularly want to praise the workmanship of those workers who have put so much into making this happen on site over the past four years. Last week there were 500 workers on site.  They worked all through the long weekend.  You and your families should feel very proud of what you’ve delivered.

It’s worth remembering that due to the Global Financial Crisis, this project was almost stopped dead in its tracks.  We actually put it on hold on 30 September 2008 as the banks collapsed around the world. But the Australian Government supported the Australian financial system, delivered a guarantee on deposits and we needed all four ‘big’ Australian banks for this development, so it certainly helped.

So it was on 8 April 2009 that a member of Cabinet that put in place that rescue package, Anthony Albanese, turned the first sod on the Southern Concourse Terminal (the first half) and it was one of the first major infrastructure projects to commence at the height of the GFC.

Like Minister Albanese, the ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has been a regular and great supporter of Canberra Airport.  We were delighted that she was here to unveil the foundation stone for this Western Concourse Terminal in August 2011.  And I might add that the two of them have delivered on the Majura Parkway – a 50/50 funding partnership.  They have been the two that have made that happen and it will make Canberra Airport so much more accessible to people in the city and the region.

We have just come from the opening of Virgin’s new Lounge and I want to congratulate John Borghetti on what is simply one of the finest club lounges for an airline anywhere in the world. It’s a fantastic product for his passengers but it is also a significant investment and vote of confidence in our city and its future.  John was instrumental in making this terminal become a reality because he was the person with who whom we struck the original deal when he was at Qantas.  So to John I say thank you for all you have done for Canberra Airport.

Yesterday, Canberra celebrated her 100^th birthday, and today we come of age with a gateway that befits the national capital of a modern, sophisticated, and innovative nation.

I would now like to invite you to help us celebrate Canberra’s 100^th birthday and the completion of the Western Concourse Terminal.

She was speaking at the opening of the new Virgin Australia facilities at Canberra Airport this morning.

Katy Gallagher joined the Federal Transport Minister, Hon Anthony Albanese, and the chief executive of Virgin Australia, John Borghetti, at the opening.

The new Virgin Australia facilities are part of the $420 million ‘AirVolution’ rebuild that Canberra Airport Group is undertaking and marks the completion of stage two of the project.

More than two million overnight travellers come to the ACT annually. A further 1.7 million people make day trips. Almost 163,500 international visitors arrived in Canberra, in the 2012 calendar year.

“The new airport – which has been emerging progressively from the old one – is a major step forward for Canberra as a destination for both domestic and international visitors,” Katy Gallagher says.

“The new airport has top-quality departure areas, lounges, and passenger facilities.

“Canberra loves it.

“And it is all arriving in our centenary year.

“Today I welcome the investment – by Virgin Australia – in new lounges and departure areas that will make Canberra an ‘easy-to-use’ destination for business and holiday travellers.”

Statement ends

Date: Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Media Contact: Owen Gill 0481 004 015 (m)

Canberra’s newest medical centre was opened officially today at Majura Park, Canberra Airport, by Federal Member for Fraser, Dr Andrew Leigh.

Canberra Airport Managing Director Stephen Byron said: “This new architect-designed, purpose-built centre represents the finest medical practice environment patients will experience anywhere in Canberra, including a serene, landscaped central courtyard.

“In developing this facility, we recognised that people visiting health professionals are often unwell or anxious, so we’ve focussed on creating a welcoming environment unlike any other medical building in Canberra.

“With demand for health professionals in our city at an all time high, and many practices closed to new patients, the Majura Park Medical Centre represents a fantastic opportunity for

Canberrans seeking a new health provider, in state-of-the-art facilities.” Dr Leigh said: “This clinic will be a centre for best-practice by bringing together a variety of health professionals to work as a team, providing the best possible overall care for their patients in one single location.

“Its comprehensive approach to treatment will ensure quality healthcare for Canberrans and add to the myriad of services available in the ACT.

“The fact that this state-of-the-art clinic is taking new patients is great news for people moving to Canberra for work or study,” Dr Leigh said.

Located within the Canberra Airport precinct, and next to Costco and the new Masters Home Improvement, Woolworths and Big W stores, Majura Park Medical Centre is less than 10 minutes from the Canberra CBD, 15 minutes from Gungahlin in the north and 20 minutes from Tuggeranong in the south.

It accommodates:

- Airport General Practice
- Ascent Physiotheraphy
- Capital Pathology
- City Coast Country General Practice Training
- The Airport Smile Lounge Dental Surgery (opening May)

These new practices join Majura Park’s other established health services including two optometrists, a hearing centre and Chemist Outlet discount pharmacy, as well as a dentist at Brindabella Business Park. There is ample free parking at the front door, enabling easy access for patients with mobility issues, and regular public transport via Action Buses.

Media inquiries: Jane Seaborn 0414 829 282

Announcing the Foundation’s 2012 grants today at a Community Morning Tea, Chief Executive Officer Georgina Byron said: “As we celebrate 21 years, I am thrilled that so many of our community partners are here to share the occasion with us.

“Since 1991, The Snow Foundation has donated $5.5 million to the community, supporting more than 200 charities and individuals in greater Canberra. The Foundation has grown enormously during that time enabling our donations to increase from $100,000 a year to $1 million a year, extending support to 39 community organisations and 11 individual recipients in 2012.
“This year we continue our ongoing financial commitments to 24 community organisations. We have had relationships from the very beginning with many of these, such as Barnardos, Friends of the Brain Injured, YouthCare, St John’s Care and The Smith Family. We acknowledge the invaluable contribution these organisations make to the community every year.

“We know our funding is well-placed when we see the headway achieved by some of the initiatives, for example: the motor neurone disease research, which we have funded for three years, has attracted attention and additional funding from the School of Advanced Medicine at Macquarie University; the ACT Social Enterprise Hub has helped to create an extra 45 jobs in the past 12 months, and has provided 141 jobs for marginalised people since commencement in 2009; and the dedicated team at HOME in Queanbeyan continues to provide a loving, supportive home and outreach services to people who are homeless and mentally ill, making such a huge difference to their lives.”

Ms Byron said in addition to existing recipients receiving ongoing funding, there were 15 new recipients this year.

“We have increased our support to social enterprises supporting employment for marginalised people, for example White Nile, No Sweat Fashions and Namana; and, we have increased scholarships providing assistance to financially disadvantaged or marginalised youth to enable them to continue with their education or chosen career and now support four groups providing 10 scholarships.
“An exciting new project in Goulburn is Abbeyfield House which opened in June after 10 years of hard work from a committed community. Abbeyfield House accommodates 10 people with disabilities in a safe and secure environment.

“We are constantly inspired by the tireless work and commitment in our community and we look forward to continuing to work together and growing our philanthropic support to enrich the lives of many Australians,” Ms Byron said.

Click here to view the full list and details of grant recipients for 2012.

The Snow Foundation was established by brothers Terry and George Snow in 1991 to provide a helping hand to those who are struggling or disadvantaged in Canberra and the surrounding regions. We focus on three key areas of need: Health, Social Welfare, and Education/Employment where we seek to provide funding that breaks the cycle of poverty, addiction and violence, and to equip individuals to take responsibility for themselves.

For more information contact Georgina Byron on 0417 227 506

“Anyone who alleges that there is no case for HSR is simply not looking at the evidence,” Canberra Airport Managing Director, Stephen Byron said.

“The case is really very simple. Sydney needs a second airport because Kingsford-Smith Airport (KSA) will be at capacity by 2027. But demand will continue to grow – and where do those passengers go?

“Passenger demand for HSR between Canberra and Sydney will be boosted significantly from KSA overflow and support the viability of the HSR as a solution to Sydney’s aviation capacity needs, provided the HSR delivers passengers directly to Canberra Airport.”

Mr Byron said the best outcome was for a second Sydney airport to be built at Badgery’s Creek but that would never happen.

“Forty years of history tells us that. Both the Federal and NSW Governments have repeatedly ruled out building an airport at Badgery’s Creek and the Federal Government has not moved to shore up its preferred site at Wilton. The land there is not yet owned by the Commonwealth and local opposition to Wilton is mounting in a grassroots movement reminiscent of Badgery’s Creek. People don’t want to live next to airports.

“In the meantime, it is only 15 years until KSA is at capacity according to the Study on Aviation Capacity for the Sydney Region and if nothing is done the revenue foregone for NSW and Australia will be billions of dollars”.

The Canberra Airport study concludes that in 2030, the number of passengers overflowing from a capacity constrained KSA and using Canberra Airport and the HSR will be 2.5 million, and this will boost the total number of HSR passengers by 37% to 9.3 million. In 2035, the number of passengers overflowing from KSA and using Canberra Airport and the HSR will be 4.5 million, boosting the total number of HSR passengers by 62% to 11.8 million. By 2040, the number of passengers overflowing from KSA and using Canberra Airport and the HSR will be 10.5 million – a boost of 133% to 18.4 million.

“With HSR from Canberra Airport, passengers will reach the Sydney CBD in 57 minutes – faster than from Wilton, Badgery’s Creek, or even KSA given the ground transport forecasts.

“And although they show Canberra Airport’s relative advantage, the raw travel times fail to capture the biggest transformation of the HSR option: the certainty of travel time. The HSR will be on time, every time, as it is elsewhere in the world with average delays measured in seconds not minutes.

“This sort of clockwork operational performance represents a stark contrast to both the airline delays forecast into KSA post-2027 and the near permanent traffic jam likely to occur between KSA and the Sydney CBD.

“Airlines will choose Canberra as their port because with HSR they can deliver their passengers into the Sydney CBD in under an hour and with superior certainty,” Mr Byron said.

The report Canberra Airport to Sydney CBD High Speed Rail: The Impact of a Second Sydney Airport Not Being Built – Passenger Forecasts.

“We have long been advocates of a high speed rail link between Canberra and Sydney, and that reality is getting closer with strong support from NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and the ongoing stalemate over

where to build Sydney’s second airport,” Canberra Airport Managing Director, Stephen Byron said.

“Today Canberra Airport is proud to present plans for a superb, multi-modal, transport facility to underline the high speed rail’s integration into Canberra Airport, in accordance with Premier O’Farrell’s vision.

“This terminal will provide a seamless interface for passengers arriving in Canberra by air ready for their 57minute train trip to Sydney.

“The facility will cost $140 million (in 2012 dollars) and take two years to build.

“Canberra Airport is today committing to funding the HSR terminal project and will be in a position to consider a start date once the timetable for the HSR is confirmed.”

Mr Byron said Stage Two of the Commonwealth Government’s HSR study was due to be completed by the end of this year, including finalising recommendations for the route.

“We know that Sydney Airport and its surrounding transport infrastructure are already facing capacity

issues, and that the Joint Study into Aviation Capacity for the Sydney Region advised that passenger demand in the region (including Canberra and Newcastle) will increase from the 2010 level of 40 million to 58 million in 2020 and 88 million by 2035.

“We also know from Stage One of the HSR study that patronage demand for regional fast train services to

and from Canberra will be 11 million in 2036, that the cost per trip between Canberra and Sydney will be

around $40 for non-business and $95 for business. The Infrastructure Partners Australia (IPA) report tells us the trip from Canberra to Sydney will take 57 minutes.

“The high speed rail will be a significant, nation-building project with substantial benefits to the Australian

economy, from jobs during construction and for the local steel industry, to international tourism, as well as relieving the congestion endured by Sydneysiders as the population grows to six million in 2036.

“The HSR from Canberra to Sydney should be delivered by 2020, with the terminal at Canberra Airport constructed over the last two years of that period.”

Mr Byron said with the completion of this project, Canberra Airport would become a multi-modal hub for high speed rail, domestic and international airlines, regional and local buses and onsite car parking.

“Passengers will be able to transfer from arriving aircraft to their train in under five minutes without baggage and be in Sydney in less than an hour,” Mr Byron said.

This car park feautres 1200 spaces over four levels and also includes a high-tech parking guidance system which through the use of red and green LED lights takes the stress out of finding an available parking space.

“Andrew Rogers’ work is well-known throughout the world. To have a sculpture of this scale at Canberra Airport, the gateway to our national capital, reaffirms this city’s commitment to the arts,” Mr Crean said.

“Private sector contributions like the commissioning of this significant piece are critical to the cultural life of our nation. This is not just a work of art but a demonstration of the capacity of private individuals and corporations to enrich the lives of all Australians through their philanthropic support of the arts.”

Attending the unveiling, sculptor Andrew Rogers described the commission as unique.
“The enterprise of Canberra Airport and its commercial surrounds is a major undertaking and different to most. I am pleased my sculpture is part of it,” Mr Rogers said.
“The vision to elevate the Airport and provide a stimulating point of difference for people is
something that on the larger scale can improve the world.

“For me sculpture is not just about the creation of an object. It is an expression of the heart.

“I am pleased to be part of the vision at Canberra Airport and to be able to be responsible to help bring it into being.” Canberra Airport Managing Director Stephen Byron said the sculpture had been commissioned to act as a focus for the southern courtyard at Canberra Airport and was the eighth sculpture to be installed in the airport precinct.
“Canberra Airport has set out from the beginning to show that an airport can be so much more than simply a piece of national transport infrastructure. Our program of commissioned public art is an important part of that approach,” Mr Byron said.

“People coming to Canberra ought to have their spirits lifted and be inspired on arrival in the national capital; this sculpture will take their breath away. It’s a very, very powerful work.”