Qantas is currently conducting a review of the three regional bases with an eye to their potential shuttering, saying staff could be more efficiently utilised at larger bases in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The union, however, has said this fails to take into account the human cost to workers.

Team ZIC, who placed fifth in 2018 and second in 2022, recorded multiple near-perfect legs, finishing in the top two on six of the nine segments. Racers Scott Palmer and Adam Dean defeated 36 other teams in the precision time-trial, where scoring depended on timing and positional accuracy.

The $700 million infrastructure investments will see a suite of infrastructure upgrades and facilities works at RAAF Base Townsville, including supporting infrastructure for the relocation of 16th Aviation Brigade Headquarters from Brisbane, along with the relocation of the 1st Aviation Regiment from Darwin.

In the airport’s 2045 master plan, the T2 terminal – currently home to Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and other regional airlines – and the T3 Qantas domestic terminal will be joined together, with up to 12 new international gates also to be added to the precinct alongside two more at T1 International.