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"The Bligh Government has committed to ensuring the terminal can be refurbished to provide a better level of comfort for passengers and assure its operational future in the short term," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The terminal refurbishment works aim to make the experience in transit more comfortable for the near 230,000 passengers who pass through the area each year.

"A revamped Whitsunday Coast Airport will be a real boost for both international and domestic tourists, providing a more functional and comfortable terminal for the visitors to the region.

"No major disruption to existing airline operations are anticipated during the refurbishments. The airport will not be closed, allowing continuation of current two flights from Brisbane between 2pm and 7pm.

"This and other key projects in the regions will continue to encourage growth away from South East Queensland.''

Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt said planes would continue to fly to the region during the upgrade and refurbishment works.

"It is vital to both the tourism market and industry sector of our region that the airport terminal remains open and operational," Ms Jarratt said.

"The works will be staged to allow the terminal users to continue their existing operations during the period of construction."

The awarding of the tender is conditional upon the State, and the terminal lessees, coming to a satisfactory arrangement on access to the terminal.

The successful tenderer will undertake a program of works including:

• An internal baggage carousel so passengers do not have to stand outside to wait for their baggage
• An air-conditioned departure lounge, capable of seating passengers waiting to board a fully-laden jet
• Aesthetic refurbishment of the terminal to improve the visual appeal of the airport
• A reconfigured check-in area allowing the airport to cater for more than two airlines
• The ability to accommodate future expansion of the check-in area
• Reconfiguration of the cafeteria and arrivals, check-in, security screening and baggage reclaim areas
• Relocation and refurbishment of airport offices and amenities.
• Additional floor space for the secure, air-side area of the departure lounge
• Provision of floor space for future customs and quarantine facilities to allow for the possible introduction of limited international carriers into the future
• Improvements in passenger circulation, avoiding cross-over of terminal users and reducing crowding and queuing

"The terminal upgrade project will provide approximately 20 short-term contractor and construction jobs, in the design and construction phase between now, and December 2010," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Jobs will include architects, engineers and construction trade workers."

A local industry briefing for tenderers, tradespeople and suppliers will be held on 24 June in Proserpine. To register interest please email mackaysdc@dtrdi.qld.gov.au  Tender documents can be downloaded from www.projectservices.qld.gov.au/etender

Enquiries about the tender can be made by calling 07 3224 4389, or email: tenders@projectservices.qld.gov.au until 2pm, 14 July 2010 when tenders close.