After months of negotiations with mining clients and the Cloncurry Shire Council, Virgin Australia announced it would start providing a nonstop service to Brisbane twice a week.

The latest Economic Directions paper released for Queensland Airports described Cloncurry's facility as ``ageing'' and said it was in need of an upgrade to handle a predicted influx of 100,000 passengers per annum in the next two years.

Cloncurry Mayor Andrew Daniels said the first step in the $3.6 million upgrade would create more stopping areas for planes and an upgrade of the tarmac to ensure it could bear the weight of heavier aircraft.

``It's a great boost and it's great to see our region recognised through Royalties for Regions,'' he said. 

The government's report also noted Virgin Australia was a key partner in plans to expand facilities in Mount Isa and Cloncurry.

Mount Isa Mayor and chairman of the Carpentaria Minerals Province committee Tony McGrady congratulated the government on its support for the Cloncurry Airport but said he'd be knocking down their door for similar support for Mount Isa's facility.

``If the Royalties for Regions program can donate half a million to Cloncurry we'd like to see significant work done here for the next phase of the Carpentaria Minerals Province,'' he said.

He said the council would meet the Mount Isa Airport management group later this month to discuss complaints about the availability of parking.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the new Economic Directions statement aimed to build on 40 of the state's leading airports which have strategic significance for economic growth.

``The Newman government will assist Queensland's airports to build on their areas of competitive advantage and attract new investment,'' he said.