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Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has told Brisbane’s Archerfield Airport to come up with a new draft Master Plan within 180 days.
The minister has expressed concern that Archerfield Airport Corporation’s (AAC) current draft Master Plan – which is intended to replace the existing one from 2017 – has insufficient detail in some areas around environmental impact management, land use, and future development.
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“My main concerns include that the draft Master Plan does not clearly establish the strategic direction for economic and efficient development of the airport over a 20-year planning period, or appropriately indicate the intended uses of the various precincts on the airport site to airport users, the community and the aviation industry,” the Minister said.
“The draft also does not fully demonstrate how the proposed approach to land use will meet the present and future requirements of civil aviation and other airport users.
“Finally, I have concerns about the draft Master Plan’s approach to community consultation on potential aircraft noise impacts relating to general aviation operations in the immediate vicinity of the airport.”
Minister King noted that Archerfield, which is Brisbane’s metropolitan airport and supports flight training, corporate and charter flights, and maintenance services, is “a critical centre” for Queensland’s general aviation sector.
“I am confident the matters raised can be worked through with AAC to ensure the plan is revised appropriately and the airport community is provided the certainty it needs to plan and invest for the long term,” she said.
“The Government has also asked AAC to take every opportunity to share its plans with all relevant stakeholders as it prepares a fresh draft Master Plan.”
The news follows a long-running saga over noise issues at nearby Brisbane Airport since the completion of its new parallel runway in July 2020, which allowed more flight paths to open up, but affected nearby communities in the process.
There were various calls – including from the Greens – for caps and curfews, though owners Brisbane Airport Corporation pointed to a potential $1 billion annual cost to the city’s economy. Others, including BAC, supported more flights being routed over Moreton Bay.
The federal government in March established a permanent Brisbane Airport Community Airspace Advisory Board to address the issue; it will be chaired by inaugural Australian Aircraft Noise Ombudsman Ron Brent, and will comprise five community representatives serving two-year terms.
