[thorn bird]

With the events occurring in Ukraine would it not be prudent for the relevant minister to consider from a security perspective that handing over our secondary airports to development sharks to build vast warehouses all over is perhaps not a great idea.

I mean these warehouses contribute very little to our economy anyway, other than snorkel huge amounts of money into offshore tax havens. They produce nothing, just provide storage for cheap crap we've bought from China and place severe safety hazards in the way of what the airports were originally reserved for, aviation.

Given the belligerence of China and the war in Europe it could be said we may need every airport we can find.

[Peetwo]

RAAA weighs in on Moorabbin MDP? 

Via the Yaffa:

---

RAAA throws Weight behind Moorabbin GA Operators

3 March 2022

The Regional Aviation Association of Australia yesterday wrote to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Barnaby Joyce urging him to reject Moorabbin Airport Corporation's 2021 draft Master Plan.


The master plan outlines airport developments for the next five years, and includes provision for removing more aviation infrastructure, a possibility that worries tenants who say they are not being offered suitable alternatives.

RAAA CEO Steve Campbell penned a forceful letter to the minister pointing out where the power to refuse the master plan lies.
"We believe this is in violation of Division 5 of the Airports Act 1996 (the Act) which has clear obligations for Federally leased airports to be used as airports," Campbell said. "Moorabbin Airport continues to restrict aviation activities to promote non-aviation commercial development. Under Section 81 of the Act, you may refuse to approve the Master Plan."

Section 81 of the Act states: In deciding whether to approve the plan, the Minister must have regard to the following matters: (a) the extent to which carrying out the plan would meet present and future requirements of civil aviation users of the airport, and other users of the airport, for services and facilities relating to the airport concerned

"With an estimated 25% of commercial pilots that were trained in 2019 coming through Moorabbin Airport flight training schools, it is clear that any reduction in ability for these operators to conduct their business will have a direct effect to the number of pilots coming through the system," Campbell said.

"This reduction will only add to the ever-increasing gap on supply of pilots for Australian airlines and commercial operators. There are also a number of aviation support businesses under threat such as vital maintenance organisations who are also slowly getting squeezed out of their leases and hangar space."

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport released an Aviation Recovery Framework in December last year, which included plans to revitalise GA and also revisit the Airports Act 1996 including the regulation an approval process for master plans at federally-leased airports.

Campbell referred to the framework in the letter to the minister and noted that approving the Moorabbin master plan would send a message to GA that the government would not uphold the intent of the Act.

"The Moorabbin Master Plan that is currently in its final phase before approval is sought from you, has become a line in the sand for GA and their ability to continue at urban GA airports such as Moorabbin," he said.

"It is our fear that your approval will be the death knell for many GA operators at the airport and will signal to the GA industry that this government will not uphold the intent of the Airports Act 1996.

"A refusal to approve the Master Plan however, will send a clear signal to the aviation industry prior to the upcoming election that this government is prepared to stand up for GA and provide confidence to those essential GA businesses to continue to provide critical resources for our aviation industry."

The master plan has met with significant opposition from the Moorabbin Airport Chamber of Commerce and Kingston City Council.

Submissions to the Moorabbin master plan closed in October last year.

---

Better late than never I guess but do I smell a RAAA/TAAF aviation policy in the making?? 

MTF...P2 

[thorn bird]

See a Citation off the runway at Bankstown.
For sure the runway is a tad damp, but I wonder if severe turbulence off the giant warehouses the development sharks built had any contributing affect? Doest seem to be an overrun from the video.

[Peetwo]

LGAQ sub 74; Sterlo Aviation Inquiry Final report; and AOPA YSBK update?? -   

Ref: https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...LGAQ-1.pdf

Ref: https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...signed.pdf (pg 92):

Support for airports

6.54 As noted in Chapter 3, the pandemic resulted in an unprecedented hit to the operations of Australia's major airports.

6.55 In response to COVID-19, the Australian Government introduced several measures intended to support airport operations, including the Domestic Airports Security Costs Support and ex-gratia land tax relief. Submitters largely welcomed this assistance. Both Queensland Airport Limited and the AAA argued that 'continuation of these programs for on-airport tenants would be useful'.62

6.56 However, participants were concerned that the majority of aviation support had been directed to airlines, rather than airports or other critical segments of the aviation supply chain. According to Queensland Airports, 'it is increasingly clear the Federal Government's support to the aviation industry during the pandemic has not adequately assisted airports'

6.57 The committee heard that Australian Government support 'was underwritten largely by airports absorbing their high fixed operating costs'.64 Councillor Rod Kendall from Wagga Wagga City Council, explained that revenue from aeronautical charges and other airport services are dependent on passenger numbers. He continued:

… the operational aspects of an airport have to continue whether or not air traffic is passing through that airport, and of course the income from that, particularly regular passenger transport, hasn't eventuated, largely, through COVID, and significant losses to those airports have occurred. because of it.65

6.58 Mr Peter Thomson, General Manager of Wagga Wagga City Council, advised that, as a result, Wagga Wagga Airport suffered a net loss of $1.083 million in 2020.66 The committee heard that the airport was in a particularly challenging situation. Current leasing arrangements have impeded Wagga Wagga City Council's ability to secure grant funding, make upgrades or improvements to the airport, and make the facility attractive to capital investment from the private sector.67

6.59 Airport representatives argued that government funding must be maintained until demand for travel recovers. Mr Rowe argued that recovery 'is still in its early stages and could take years', meaning 'funding support will continue to be required for an extended period'.68

6.60 Further, Mr Adrian Beresford-Wylie, Chief Executive of the Australian Local Government Association, argued more should be done 'for airports at a local level' as they 'are vital community assets'.69 He warned that council owned airports are going to 'face substantial costs going into the future, in terms of increasing operational costs'.70

6.61 The AAA identified a number of opportunities for the Australian Government to provide immediate and long-term support to the airport sector through an $835 million Airport Relief and Recovery Plan. It argued that 'an immediate focus
for airports must be on financial relief from government-mandated charges', while in the longer term 'a pathway to recovery must include strategic government investment in airports to make them economically, socially and environmentally sustainable'.71

6.62 The Government's Aviation Recovery Framework outlines a plan to 'reduce red tape and administrative burden, and promote greater flexibility for federally-leased airports as they emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic'. Specifically, the plan says the Government is working modernise regulations under the Airports Act 1996, which are 'due to sunset on 1 April 2024'.72

Finally via AOPA Oz on Facebook:

UPDATE ON THE DESTRUCTION OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE AT PRIVATISED AIRPORTS

AOPA Australia provides an update on the destruction of aviation infrastructure at Bankstown Airport YSSY, in Sydney NSW.

SHARE THIS VIDEO

AOPA Australia encourages everyone to share this video with your colleagues, friends and family, along with sending it directly to your local Member of Parliament and your State Senators.

MTF...P2 



AW - WTD? - once again 12 minutes of the Morgan torso and shirt front Ben - get your act together of stop embarrassing yourself, AOPA and this industry. Bloody amateurish . FDS!.

[thorn bird]

Except for the major cities, where lack of proper city planning for growth, makes building city motorways rather expensive, because a lot of land needs to be resumed, buildings knocked down, tunnels built etc. Enter the development road sharks who make billions out of motorway charges, which no doubt a fair percentage gets squirrelled away in offshore tax havens.

The Airport development sharks operate in much the same manner except they must price aviation off the land, before they can knock down aviation buildings or bulldoze runways and taxiways, they are relieved of the cost of resumption so their profits are massive.

Highways are considered vital Infrastructure, do we pay a Toll for driving on them? They are funded because they are considered vital for the security and wellbeing of the nation.

Airports apparently are not considered Vital, nor necessary for the wellbeing of the nation.

Councils are tasked with maintaining regional roads, there are no toll booths set up as you pass from shire, because if there was I doubt the councillors would be elected if they did.

Airports are no less vital for the security and wellbeing of the nation, just as a vibrant viable general aviation industry is vital for the security and wellbeing of the nation. Perhaps a phone call to the president of Ukraine might educate those who decide such matters just how vital.

[Peetwo]

LGAQ sub 74; Sterlo Aviation Inquiry Final report; and AOPA YSBK update?? -   

Ref: https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...LGAQ-1.pdf

Ref: https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...signed.pdf (pg 92):

Support for airports

6.54 As noted in Chapter 3, the pandemic resulted in an unprecedented hit to the operations of Australia's major airports.

6.55 In response to COVID-19, the Australian Government introduced several measures intended to support airport operations, including the Domestic Airports Security Costs Support and ex-gratia land tax relief. Submitters largely welcomed this assistance. Both Queensland Airport Limited and the AAA argued that 'continuation of these programs for on-airport tenants would be useful'.62

6.56 However, participants were concerned that the majority of aviation support had been directed to airlines, rather than airports or other critical segments of the aviation supply chain. According to Queensland Airports, 'it is increasingly clear the Federal Government's support to the aviation industry during the pandemic has not adequately assisted airports'

6.57 The committee heard that Australian Government support 'was underwritten largely by airports absorbing their high fixed operating costs'.64 Councillor Rod Kendall from Wagga Wagga City Council, explained that revenue from aeronautical charges and other airport services are dependent on passenger numbers. He continued:

… the operational aspects of an airport have to continue whether or not air traffic is passing through that airport, and of course the income from that, particularly regular passenger transport, hasn't eventuated, largely, through COVID, and significant losses to those airports have occurred. because of it.65

6.58 Mr Peter Thomson, General Manager of Wagga Wagga City Council, advised that, as a result, Wagga Wagga Airport suffered a net loss of $1.083 million in 2020.66 The committee heard that the airport was in a particularly challenging situation. Current leasing arrangements have impeded Wagga Wagga City Council's ability to secure grant funding, make upgrades or improvements to the airport, and make the facility attractive to capital investment from the private sector.67

6.59 Airport representatives argued that government funding must be maintained until demand for travel recovers. Mr Rowe argued that recovery 'is still in its early stages and could take years', meaning 'funding support will continue to be required for an extended period'.68

6.60 Further, Mr Adrian Beresford-Wylie, Chief Executive of the Australian Local Government Association, argued more should be done 'for airports at a local level' as they 'are vital community assets'.69 He warned that council owned airports are going to 'face substantial costs going into the future, in terms of increasing operational costs'.70

6.61 The AAA identified a number of opportunities for the Australian Government to provide immediate and long-term support to the airport sector through an $835 million Airport Relief and Recovery Plan. It argued that 'an immediate focus
for airports must be on financial relief from government-mandated charges', while in the longer term 'a pathway to recovery must include strategic government investment in airports to make them economically, socially and environmentally sustainable'.71

6.62 The Government's Aviation Recovery Framework outlines a plan to 'reduce red tape and administrative burden, and promote greater flexibility for federally-leased airports as they emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic'. Specifically, the plan says the Government is working modernise regulations under the Airports Act 1996, which are 'due to sunset on 1 April 2024'.72

Finally via AOPA Oz on Facebook:

UPDATE ON THE DESTRUCTION OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE AT PRIVATISED AIRPORTS

AOPA Australia provides an update on the destruction of aviation infrastructure at Bankstown Airport YSSY, in Sydney NSW.

SHARE THIS VIDEO

AOPA Australia encourages everyone to share this video with your colleagues, friends and family, along with sending it directly to your local Member of Parliament and your State Senators.

Via FB - BM AOPA Oz CEO update - Department meeting:

UPDATE ON AOPA AUSTRALIA MEETING WITH JANET QUIGLEY, DEPTARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE - AIRPORTS

AOPA Australia met with Ms Janet Quigley, Second Deputy Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development on Friday 18th March, to discuss a range of serious issues developing at privatised airports nationwide.

In this video I share with you my thoughts and reflections on the meeting, along with detailing further actions by AOPA Australia in follow up.

Apologies for the sound quality, I’m going to get a proper wireless mic setup to ensure better audio!

And some comments:

Steve Curtis

I would suggest the people managing affairs with IA are performing very well as per their brief. Most of the leases on the affected airports are held by Financial Institutions, we have seen how ethical their behaviours are during the recent Royal Commission.

---

David Young

Good work Ben. The Department of Infrastructure, and successive ministers, are clueless to the economic destruction they have allowed to happen at these airports (and GA) over the last 20 plus years. They are clueless when it comes to the value of GA to the economy, both directly and indirectly. Access to airports and airspace continue to be 2 of the biggest issues that confront GA. “Yes minister” comes to mind regularly when it comes to the safe guarding of GA as a necessary industry driving the economy by the Department of Infrastructure.

---

Corne Grobbelaar

A point to discuss with these “infrastructure” people. PPP’s. Public private partnerships. Like toll roads. Can that “operator” start building apartments on the highway. Commercially that would be more viable too!

The answer I guess is no!

But for aviation, the rules are seemingly not the same.
Australia Fair… I guess it government aims to make the meaning a Merri-go-round.

---

Simon McDermott

Has infrastructure visited Sunshine Coast airport ? They will be horribly shocked. Non aviation buildings are taking over all of the available space which was previously available to aviation. This has been done at the expense of the aviation industry

---

Corne Grobbelaar

Her two IC, similarly useless, is on $320k since 2018.

All “managers”, but achieving nothing.

It makes me sick to the stomach.

What is the intent of an airport?

Are the operator live op to the intent of an airport.

One would believe if they earn this much, then they should at least have the capability to grasp that!

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

DPM Barnaby knocks YMMB PDMP on the head -    

Via a MACCI Media Release:

Media Release 31 March 2022

The Moorabbin Airport Chamber of Commerce Inc (MACCI) is delighted with today's decision by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Barnaby Joyce, to reject the Moorabbin Airport, 2021 Draft Preliminary Master Plan, a win for General Aviation in Australia

The Goodman Group took a commercial lease over Moorabbin Airport in 1999 that has been managed by the Moorabbin Airport Corporation (MAC). Since this time, MAC has undertaken minimal development into General Aviation and in 2020 taxiways, aircraft parking areas and aviation hangars were destroyed to make way for large commercial warehousing, unrelated to aviation.

This is contrary to the requirements, as set out in federal legislation, for the MAC to “promote the sound development of civil aviation in Australia”.

MACCI believes that combined with the Australian Government recent COVID recovery plan for aviation (The Future of Australia’ Aviation Sector - Flying to Recovery), this decision by Mr Joyce sends a strong signal across Australia, that our airports are an important part of the Australian infrastructure network and that the overdevelopment of aviation sites for non-aviation, commercial purposes will not be tolerated by the Australian Government.

Over the past two years, MACCI has worked closely with the Kingston City Council (KCC) to achieve the decision released today. The MACCI would like to acknowledge the tireless and concerted efforts from its members and the wider aviation community and sincerely thank all involved for their support.

Over the coming weeks and months MACCI plans to commence open and positive dialogue with the MAC with the aim to promote and expand general aviation at Moorabbin Airport.

Until significant, positive outcomes are achieved for General Aviation, MACCI will continue to lobby the Australian Government not to renew the Goodman Group lease and for the Australian Government to develop and exhibit firm oversight into airport management around this great country.

Once again, thank you Mr Joyce for stepping up and looking after General Aviation in Australia

For further information MACCI President Rob Simpson Info@macci.org.au

Via the Yaffa:

Minister rejects Moorabbin Master Plan

31 March 2022

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce has today rejected the 2021 preliminary draft master plan (PDMP) for Moorabbin Airport.

The PDMP, submitted to Joyce for approval by Moorabbin Airport Corporation (MAC), part of Goodman Group, envisaged the loss of more existing aviation infrastructure over the five-year life of the plan.

Rob Simpson, President of the Moorabbin Airport Chamber of Commerce Inc.n(MACCI), said his organisation was delighted with the outcome.

"MACCI believes that combined with the Australian Government recent COVID recovery plan for aviation (The Future of Australia’ Aviation Sector - Flying to Recovery), this decision by Mr Joyce sends a strong signal across Australia, that our airports are an important part of the Australian infrastructure network and that the overdevelopment of aviation sites for non-aviation, commercial purposes will not be tolerated by the Australian Government," Simpson said.

"Over the past two years, MACCI has worked closely with the Kingston City Council (KCC) to achieve the decision released today. MACCI would like to acknowledge the tireless and concerted efforts from its members and the wider aviation community and sincerely thank all involved for their support."

Kingston City Council, in which Moorabbin Airport sits, has also campaigned for the PDMP to be rejected.

"We welcome the Australian Government's refusal of the proposed masterplan and believe it sends a clear signal in support of the local aviation industry," said Kingston City mayor Councillor Steve Staikos.

"We want to see adequate space set aside around runways to ensure safety and secure a strong future for aviation businesses, plus see much tighter controls to limit commercial development near neighbouring homes.

"We believe the decision at Moorabbin Airport is an important one for Local Governments around Australia who have a strong role to play in enhancing aviation policy."

Simpson said that MACCI would soon attempt to meet with MAC to promote and expand general aviation around the airport, and continue to encourage the Department of Transport and Infrastructure to adopt a firmer stance towards the airport operators.

"Until significant, positive outcomes are achieved for general aviation, MACCI will continue to lobby the Australian Government not to renew the Goodman Group lease and for the Australian Government to develop and exhibit firm oversight into airport management around this great country," Simpson said.

The PDMP stated that 44 hectares of land would be developed for non-aviation purposes over the next eight years, leaving 40 hectares for aviation support businesses.

Several aviation companies have been evicted under the previous plan and hangars demolished, whilst several other had been given notice that they were to vacate with no suitable alternative premises being made available to them.

Plus via AOPA Oz on Facebook (edited for spelling):

MOORABBIN AIRPORT MASTERPLAN REJECTED,
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER STEPS IN TO SUPPORT AVIATION AT PRIVATISED AIRPORT SITES

The privatised airports industry have been sent a powerful message today with the formal rejection of the Moorabbin Airport Masterplan by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP.

“AOPA Australia thanks the Deputy Prime Minister for taking swift and decisive action to reject the Moorabbin Airport Masterplan, which prioritised non-aviation use at the site above aviation” Benjamin Morgan: CEO, AOPA Australia.

“The rejection should serve as a major wake up call for privatised airports, that they do not have the unfettered freedom to carve out extensive non-aviation real-estate, to the detriment of aviation business and users.

“We are encouraging the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department of Infrastructure to review in detail the development and construction at Moorabbin Airport to date, and should there be clear examples of breaches to the head-lease or redevelopment that was undertaken without Ministerial consent, to take immediate and swift action in terminating the airport operators lease with the Commonwealth.

“Such an outcome would enable the Commonwealth to rapidly restructure and realign the interests of aviation stakeholders at the airport, bringing with it a wave of new opportunity to reestablish a growing aviation economy at the airport.

“The association extends our thanks and appreciation to the various organisations and stakeholders who have been advocating for this sensible outcome.  This includes the significant body of work undertaken by our good friends at the Moorabbin Airport Chamber of Commerce, the Kingston City Council and AMROBA.

“AOPA Australia is now calling for a review of the Bankstown and Camden Airports Masterplan, seeking the Deputy Prime Ministers and Department of Infrastructure support,” he said.

Well done BJ, compliments from the BRB and the IOS...

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

DPM Barnaby knocks YMMB PDMP on the head - Part II

Via the Age -  :

Dogfight over space at Moorabbin Airport as users fear sidelining of aviation


By Patrick Hatch
Updated April 19, 2022 — 9.21am
first published April 18, 2022 — 5.02pm

Moorabbin Airport has been accused of squeezing out aviation users and degrading its capacity as a working aerodrome in favour of commercial development.

Federal Transport Minister Barnaby Joyce took the unusual step last month of rejecting property giant Goodman Group’s plans to bulldoze aircraft hangars to make way for commercial sheds at the south-east Melbourne airport following uproar from pilots, aviation operators and the City of Kingston council.


Rob Simpson, owner of Simpson Aeroelectrics, at Moorabbin Airport. CREDIT:SIMON SCHLUTER

However, airport users, including pilot schools, charter operators and aircraft maintenance firms, fear the decision is only a temporary respite from Goodman’s efforts to sideline them.

“They’re a property development company with an airport problem,” said Rob Simpson, who owns maintenance provider Simpson Aeroelectrics and is president of the Moorabbin Airport Chamber of Commerce. “The long-term risk here is that they squeeze us that hard until there is nothing left.”

The Mentone airport, about 20 kilometres south-east of Melbourne’s CBD, is a vital hub for light-aircraft general aviation, an airfreight hub and is where about a quarter of Australia’s new pilots learn to fly.

Goodman, a $43 billion ASX-listed company, leased the airport from the Commonwealth for 99 years in 1998 on the condition it was preserved as a functioning airport, and has since built more than a dozen commercial buildings around its runway.



Level of development at Moorabbin Airport in 2000 compared to 2022.PHOTOS: CITY OF KINGSTON

In June 2020, Simpson was one of five aviation businesses who were given six months to vacate their buildings to make way for more non-aviation developments. He relocated, with significant disruption to his business, but estimated space for around 50 aircraft had been lost in the redevelopment.

Another 60 aircraft parking spots could be lost under Goodman’s 2021 master plan that earmarked nine more aviation buildings for redevelopment, he said.

Although the federal government rejected that plan on March 29, Goodman has until next Tuesday to challenge the decision in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and it is unclear how different any resubmitted plan, which needs to be submitted within six months, would be.

Tony Kirkhope, who has run his Australian Air Safaris business out of Moorabbin for 20 years, is one outfit whose hangar faced demolition under Goodman’s latest plan. He said that with so much land already lost to commercial development, he was concerned about where he could move if his buildings were bulldozed.

“It makes it very hard for us to plan for our future,” Kirkhope said. “We don’t know whether to buy a bigger aircraft, or buy more aircraft because we don’t know where to put them”.

Moorabbin Airport Corporation chief executive Paul Ferguson said its 2021 plan prioritised aviation land use and activities, and that it was now “working through” advice from government about why it was rejected.

“[The airport] is committed to providing a safe and secure airport environment for all users and the local community, and has made significant investments in the airport infrastructure and facilities over the last few years,” he said in a statement.

Ferguson said aircraft parking space had increased at the airport under Goodman’s ownership, from 500 spaces in 1998 to 550 in 2020 and was set to rise to 720 by 2029. Aviation “floor space” had also increased by around 20 per cent since 1998, he said.

The Australian Airline Pilots’ Association, a body representing pilots on safety and technical matters, said it was also concerned that buildings around the runways could jeopardise safety by producing dangerous “turbulent wakes”, distracting light sources or interfering with visibility.

Captain Marcus Diamond, the association’s safety and technical manager, said the development plan was “riddled with further impediments to aviation activity” that would have degraded aviation infrastructure and jeopardised an essential hub for pilot training in Australia.

Large-scale commercial development at airports has been under a cloud since a light aircraft crashed into the DFO building at Essendon Airport in 2017. The Age revealed in 2019 that Essendon Fields Airport built the DFO closer to a runway than recommended under international and Australian safety guidelines.

An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau into how the building was approved has been underway for five years. It was initially due for release in September 2020, but the bureau now says the report will be published by mid-2022.

A spokesman for Barnaby Joyce said the deputy prime minister rejected the Moorabbin master plan because it did not reflect objections it received during its consultation period. The minister has asked the airport to share its plans and consult widely as it prepares its revised draft, he said.

Kingston council also joined the fight against the airport’s master plan. Mayor Steve Staikos said its approval would have represented “a point of no return”, past which general aviation and training became unviable.

“[But] we are concerned that this is not going to be the end of it,” Staikos said. “We want to make sure general aviation and pilot training continues into the long term”.

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

AOPA Oz on Sunshine Coast Airport carve up - 

Via Youtube:

AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE: SUNSHINE COAST AIRPORT

16 views  Streamed live on Jun 22, 2022  AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE:  SUNSHINE COAST AIRPORT

Join AOPA Australia CEO Benjamin Morgan for an update on the ongoing situation at Sunshine Coast Airport in Queensland, following this weeks media coverage of the aviation industry's call to re-open the north-south runway for general aviation operations.

Sunshine Coast Airport is a community Council owned infrastructure asset that was privatised for a reported $605million and leased for 99 years to Palisade Investment Partners.  The airport is operated day to day by Sunshine Coast Airport Pty Ltd.

The Brisbane Times reported on 9th Feb 2017, that;

- Palisade will make total lease payments of $82 million to Sunshine Coast Council for the airport.

- Of that, $67 million will be paid by September 2017.

- Palisade will also pay $290 million by the time the new runway is completed in 2022.

- Palisade will also pay $205 million, 5 per cent of airport's gross earnings, to the Sunshine Coast Council as rent for the facility over the 99-year lease.

- Palisade will manage the future development of the airport, saving Sunshine Coast Council $28 million.

- The Sunshine Coast Council will pay $319 million for the construction of the new airstrip.

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

Yet another CASA embuggerance of Regional GA that lessens aviation safety?? -

Via the other Aunty...

Mallacoota Airport's de-certification one of five others forbidding Angel Flight instrument landings

ABC Gippsland /
By Natasha Schapova


Angel Flight CEO Marjorie Pagani says the service is vital for remote patients.(Supplied)

When Mallacoota resident Ruth Hannah suffered extreme anaemia and a displaced stomach last year, an Angel Flight changed her life.

Key points:

• Planes are no longer able to use an instrument approach when landing at six airports, aerodromes, and airfields in WA, Queensland, NSW, and Victoria
  
• East Gippsland Shire Council allowed Mallacoota Airport to be de-certified
  
• All pilots, including Angel Flight, will need good weather conditions and visibility to land
  

But there are concerns that bureaucracy and red tape may stop others from using the same service.

Angel Flight is a charity that connects country people with specialist medical treatment not available close by.

More than 200 Angel Flights were scheduled in and out of the remote coastal town of Mallacoota in the past year.

Ms Hannah, 73, was flown on an Angel Flight from Mallacoota to Canberra for urgent specialist elective surgery after her condition deteriorated and she was unable to walk.

"Airports save lives. I couldn't have gone and had that operation without the flights," she said.

"We have so many other people here who have as much need as I did, or more."

Airports unable to meet new regulations

A Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesperson said six out of 350 airports affected by new regulations did not transition to updated rules by a May deadline, including Mallacoota Airport.

The other airports, aerodromes, and airfields were:

• Granny Smith Aerodrome in Laverton, WA
  
• Middlemount Airport in Queensland
  
• Coolah Airport in NSW
  
• Kalumburu Aerodrome in WA; and
  
• Southport Airfield in Coombabah, Queensland
  

Angel Flight assists passengers travelling to or from medical facilities almost anywhere in Australia.(Supplied: Angel Flight)

East Gippsland Shire Council recently decided against funding upgrades to the Mallacoota Airport to bring it up to new CASA standards.

While the airport remains functional, the council has had to de-certify it. That means instrument flight procedures are prohibited.

From now on, planes can only land at Mallacoota in conditions where the pilot can physically see the runway, which is difficult in a coastal town prone to variable weather conditions.

Angel Flight chief executive Marjorie Pagani said the airport changes could affect flights landing at Mallacoota.

"The majority of [Angel Flight planes] use instrument approaches. Most of our pilots are instrument-rated," she said.


Angel Flight CEO Marjorie Pagani says the service is not giving up on Mallacoota residents.(Supplied: Country Airstrips Australia)

Ms Pagani said flights might now have to be diverted to Merimbula.

"What we're there for is to get these people in and out safely, and once you take away those instrument approaches you are very much impinging on safety," she said.

"It's not enough to say we'll fly only on fine days. It doesn't work."

Limited health services in Mallacoota

With only two doctors to service more than 1,100 residents, Mallacoota Medical Centre practice principal Sara Renwick-Lau said aeromedical services were essential for the community.

She said her practice referred patients to Angel Flight twice a week.

"The potential delay in treatment of critically-ill patients that require aeromedical transport is a big concern," Dr Renwick-Lau said.

"When we do get someone who's critically unwell it's about how can we retrieve them as quickly as possible. That scenario to me is pretty nightmarish."

Nearly half of Mallacoota's population is aged over 60, but Dr Renwick-Lau said aeromedical services were even more vital during holiday periods.

"We have 8,000-10,000 people over the holiday period. A lot of those people come with their medical illnesses and we manage them in Mallacoota," she said.

"There's actually no urgent care facility, emergency department, or anything that you would recognise as a public health service in Mallacoota."

East Gippsland Shire Council mayor Mark Reeves said more funding was needed for infrastructure, earthworks, and vegetation management around the airport to meet CASA's standards.

"The total cost is so astronomical that it hasn't even been part of our budgeting process," Mr Reeves said.

"It came as such a shock and a surprise. The estimation is millions of dollars."

Council calls on federal government to step in

The local council will begin advocating for federal and state government funds to complete the airport upgrades to meet certification requirements.

"The issue is the risk to the federal government," Mr Reeves said.

"This will be the first of hundreds of regional airports around Australia that will topple like dominoes as a result of these CASA regulations.

"If the federal government starts funding the upgrade of those they'll be up for hundreds of millions of dollars."

Mr Reeves said council was consulting with the Australian Airports Association, but assured Ambulance Victoria and other emergency services could obtain permission to land using the instrument flight approach.

"We actually need to stop CASA in its tracks and have an outbreak of common sense around their bureaucracy," he said.

Airports body disagrees with CASA standards

Chief executive of the Australian Airports Association James Goodwin said the CASA regulations should not be applied to remote airports.

"Complying with the new regulation means you are competing and staying at a very high international standard, and those standards would be the same at Sydney airport or Melbourne International airport for instance," he said.

"Visual flight routes are still available to aircraft operators and hundreds of aerodromes across Australia use that system.

"In an aerodrome that is not particularly busy, that is a very acceptable way of operating that airport."

CASA said grant options and exemptions were offered to smaller aerodromes, though the council did not apply for either on behalf of the Mallacoota Airport.

"Grandfathering provisions applied to existing facilities, including Mallacoota Airport, so smaller aerodromes did not need costly work to meet the new standards," CASA said.

"No infrastructure changes were required as part of the transition process."

Angel Flight staff were frustrated the council did not consult with them prior to de-certifying the airport.

"To start talking to us now is far too little too late," Ms Pagani said.

[Kharon]

Now,  I'm confused.

"CASA said grant options and exemptions were offered to smaller aerodromes, though the council did not apply for either on behalf of the Mallacoota Airport."

"Grandfathering provisions applied to existing facilities, including Mallacoota Airport, so smaller aerodromes did not need costly work to meet the new standards," CASA said.


"No infrastructure changes were required as part of the transition process."

There is a lot of material published related to aerodromes etc. The link - HERE - seems to be pertinent; although I have not read 'all' of the published data -  so no guarantees.

But it seems to me there are some rabbits running here - set to confuse the hounds. For example, if grants and grandfathering and exemptions were allowed and available,  why did the local council not make application? Surely exemption for RFDS /medical / 'charter' would be available - just for the sake of safety if no other. This don't make sense; any risk analysis of the small number of non scheduled services would conclude that for aircraft <5.7 without certificated performance requirements (RTOW etc) have few restrictions (bar the existing obvious) which preclude IFR arrival and departure.

If you draw a line on the map from Bairnsdale to Merimbula, the area to the East of that line encompasses some fairly rugged terrain and is subject to some of the worst, unpredictable weather conditions this land is subject to. Aerodromes, like Mallacoota are an essential part of the support structure remote regions must have. The Council must know this, just as it must know that the RFDS (Fire support etc.) may be called in at any tick of the clock (or the back thereof). Angel Flight seem to be a regular user and thus far the accident/incident risk rate is (and remains) a zero under the existing facility - but the risk of a life lost simply because an aircraft could not make an instrument approach is pretty much an odds on bet.

Goodwin (AAA) makes some valid points; but that aside, the Council seem to be trying to buy a ticket on the Federal gravy train rather than applying to CASA for any and all exemptions available, to provide medivac transport for the locals and visitors. CASA may be on a mission - maybe not - but the offer of grants and exemptions seems to be a reasonable solution for remote, non RPT serviced aerodromes. Perhaps its time 'men of good faith' got together and sorted this out; maybe even drag in a politician or two to ease the passage.

As said, its all very muddled and conflicted; but I can still remember being very pleased that Mallacoota had an instrument approach, lights, friendly locals and a warm motel room available one truly dark and stormy night when the pucker factor was off the scale (its long story Joyce); 'nuff said.

Toot - toot..

[Peetwo]

Former miniscule 4D Chester beats chest on CASA overregulation - 

Via FB: 

Darren Chester MP

I’ve taken the community concerns over the future operation of Mallacoota Airport directly to the Federal Minister for Transport.

Changes made by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) have led to a decertification of the airport for instrument landings in times of poor visibility.

I am supporting the Shire of East Gippsland in its efforts to get the Minister and CASA to understand the unintended consequences of the new rules.

The changes which have impacted regional airports like Mallacoota are the latest in a long list of compliance costs and regulations which are impacting the general aviation sector.

The regulatory burden which falls on the aviation industry has a disproportionate impact on smaller regional operators who don’t have a vast administration team to do all the paperwork demanded by CASA.

As a former Minister, I was constantly trying to get the CASA bureaucracy to understand the real-world impacts of their rules and regulations on small operators.

These latest changes, supposedly in the name of safety, are more likely to endanger lives and delay treatment for locals and visitors to Mallacoota.

Mallacoota obviously relies on air access during emergency situations but also non-urgent flights to bring medical specialists to town will be impacted and people will have reduced access to preventative care.

Nobody wants to compromise on safety but nothing has changed at the Mallacoota Airport in terms of instruments landings in poor weather, except CASA has changed the rules.

#lovegippsland

Comments in reply...

Steve Curtis

Most changes to aviation regulations in this country over the last 20
years have not been as the result of a safety case. Most changes have been the result of harmonising with ICAO guidelines without any safety case at all. It could be argued the cost and administration burden imposed on industry has reduced safety.

---

Sandy Reith
Steve Curtis make that 34 years, from 1988, that is the time when CASA was created in order to remove Ministerial responsibility and create a Government Business Enterprise, the monopoly which is otherwise illegal in the real world of business.

---

Jeffrey Elsum

And it goes on and on... Safety is of prime imporantance and this is typical of a government body having all the power and no resposibility for their actions. I have not flown for years and I used to fly into Mallacoota a couple of times per year for about 8 years. Surely there is someone in the department with some kind of brain.

---

Lorraine MacGillivray

Darren please follow this through. As you will have heard CASA is out of control essentially. We have regulatory requirements that don’t value add to safety. We have a CASA that has become intimidatory bullies. Regulations that are not interpretable. It goes on and on. We need people heading up CASA that have true knowledge of our industry. Not a career public servant, ex airline pilot or military retiree. Have a look at the submissions into the current Senate Inquiry. Your support is needed in the interest of the future of general aviation. Otherwise you will be driving to Melbourne to jump a jet to Canberra.

Thanks

---

David Ian Grant

He did have a chance to actually do something but became tagged as "Do nothing Darren". CASA is a classic example of what can happen when a bureaucracy is given the power to administer an indefinable prime objective with no oversight or accountability. CASA is made up of competing ego's all with a different interpretation of how the given prime objective can be obtained, resulting in a miasma of legislation impossible to interpret or comply with that ultimately strangles the the industry it seeks to regulate. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been expended to create Australia's legislative maze and what has it achieved? Safety? define safety please. If common sense applied and regard for the expenditure and waste of public money, let alone the cost to an industry struggling to survive the solution is very simple. CASA should swallow its pride and do what new Zealand did, adopt US FAR's.

---

Steve Curtis

David they are well on the way to achieving their goal, “Safe Skies”. Empty skies are safe skies.

---

Sandy Reith

David Ian Grant what an incredible idea, the workable USA rules and harmonisation for the sake of growth of General Aviation.

What then to do with the make work salary factory of CASA?

---

David Ian Grant

So simple Sandy and cheap, only cost NZ five million or so, and practical, as most of our aviation products are sourced from the US it would simplify compliance allowing us to develop any innovative ideas, rather than sending them offshore and would unshackle our GA industry to grow, provide jobs, contribute to the national economy and provide equal or better safety outcomes. All in all adopting US FAR's just makes plain old common sense, I just dont understand why our political class dont get it.

---

Wally Sturgeon

...true David. But you have to consider the mythological aspects of the espoused propaganda that Aviation in Austrucka is 'special' when compared to the rest of the World ? ?.

---

David Ian Grant

Yeah Wally, for some strange reason the whole of the world is wrong, only Australia is right.

Ref - AP thread link for 4D's (non-)achievements as a former miniscule over sighting Aviation: Shame or fame for Chester? 

P.S.  “K” just sent this through – FWIW.
 
Of dazzling, dancing Darren you may despair
He of the much tweeted, manicured hair;
But to tackle the problems, both old and new is a simple thing, he dare not do
Lacking the bollocks to take the dare or ruffle the newly minted hair.
 
His mate, the country muff, believes taking the piss is quite enough
That to sneer and smirk at what we hold dear is his idea of fun,
Perhaps he aught to take a run
through the decimated ruins of industry, laid rotting, in the sun.
 
Tweet tweet.
MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

Mallacoota follow up - 

Via LMH:

Mallacoota fights to Retain RNAV

4 August 2022



East Gippsland Shire Council in Victoria is battling to retain the RNAV approach for Mallacoota after the airport lost its certification status under CASR Part 139.

The shire elected not to certify Mallacoota because the new standards would not make it practical. As a result, the airport will no longer have a NOTAM service and the RNAV approaches to runways 18 and 36 will be deleted.

Airports moving to Part 139 needed to have done so by 13 May this year.

"The heightened CASA standard that airports are now expected to meet has made it impractical for some small regional airports to maintain certification,” said East Gippsland Shire General Manager Assets and Environment Fiona Weigall.

"Mallacoota Airport will operate at a different regulation standard than a certified airport. This will not change the way the airport is maintained and all aircraft types that currently access the airport can continue to do so.

“This does not mean Council is closing the airport, nor will pilots or the public see any physical changes to the airport and how it is currently managed and maintained.

"Council is committed to still providing a functional airport for users, minus Notification to Airmen services and Terminal Instrument Flight Procedures."

According to a council spokesperson, Mallacoota had to surrender its certification under CASR Part 139 because:

work is needed to address erosion at one end of the unsealed runway the taxiway area and apron used by Department of Evironment, Land, Water and Planning as a fire base needed reconstruction trees around the airport are outside of the vegetation management permit.

Mallacoota played a critical part in the 2019-20 bushfire crisis when the town was surrounded by fire on New Year's Eve. The RAAF took control of the airport to conduct relief and evacuation efforts. As one of only two areas in Victoria classified as remote, the airport forms an important connection to the rest of the state.

Former Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and current Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said this week that he would take up the matter with current minister Catherine King.

“The latest changes which have impacted regional airports like Mallacoota are the latest in a long list of compliance costs and regulations which are impacting the general aviation sector,” Chester said.

“The regulatory burden which falls on the aviation industry has a disproportionate impact on small regional operators who don’t have a vast administration team to do all the paperwork demanded by CASA.

“As a former Minister, I was constantly trying to get the CASA bureaucracy to understand the real-world impacts of their rules and regulations on small operators.

“These latest changes, supposedly in the name of safety, are more likely to endanger lives and delay treatment for locals and visitors to Mallacoota."

Chester all said he knew of pilots who had refused to land at Mallacoota since certification was lost and that on at least one occasion Ambulance Victoria refused to send a flight to the remote town.

A CASA spokesperson told Australian Flying that of the 350 aerodromes that needed to transition to Part 139 by 13 May, Mallacoota was one of only six that elected to surrender their certification, and that no infrastructure changes were needed in order to comply.

In 2010, 34 airports around Australia had their RNAV approaches deleted because they opted not to get certification, which CASA demanded in order to retain the instrument procedures under Part 139.

---

---

Comments:

Karen Gurney • 5 days ago

Why the discrepancy between Council’s assertion that infrastructure upgrades —erosion around the end of the cross strip, reconstruction of the apron and tree height issues — and CASA’s statement that no infrastructure changes were needed to comply? YMCO is a lifeline for those in the SE corner and this decision must be reversed; lives depend on it.

---

peter robinson • 5 days ago

The Shire has mis-managed tree clearance over many years. There have been five instances where clearing has taken place in the wrong location. The current ERSA includes three warnings about the approach to 36.

The Shire ignored user advice about required PCN ratings prior to sealing 18/36 & has history of ignoring user email & calls about safety issues.

This story isn't just about CASA, it's about a "local" Shire (240 Kms away) who have no understanding or interest in aviation generally or the needs of a remote community

 
MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

Mallacoota follow up - 

Via LMH:

Mallacoota fights to Retain RNAV

4 August 2022



East Gippsland Shire Council in Victoria is battling to retain the RNAV approach for Mallacoota after the airport lost its certification status under CASR Part 139.

The shire elected not to certify Mallacoota because the new standards would not make it practical. As a result, the airport will no longer have a NOTAM service and the RNAV approaches to runways 18 and 36 will be deleted.

Airports moving to Part 139 needed to have done so by 13 May this year.

"The heightened CASA standard that airports are now expected to meet has made it impractical for some small regional airports to maintain certification,” said East Gippsland Shire General Manager Assets and Environment Fiona Weigall.

"Mallacoota Airport will operate at a different regulation standard than a certified airport. This will not change the way the airport is maintained and all aircraft types that currently access the airport can continue to do so.

“This does not mean Council is closing the airport, nor will pilots or the public see any physical changes to the airport and how it is currently managed and maintained.

"Council is committed to still providing a functional airport for users, minus Notification to Airmen services and Terminal Instrument Flight Procedures."

According to a council spokesperson, Mallacoota had to surrender its certification under CASR Part 139 because:

work is needed to address erosion at one end of the unsealed runway the taxiway area and apron used by Department of Evironment, Land, Water and Planning as a fire base needed reconstruction trees around the airport are outside of the vegetation management permit.

Mallacoota played a critical part in the 2019-20 bushfire crisis when the town was surrounded by fire on New Year's Eve. The RAAF took control of the airport to conduct relief and evacuation efforts. As one of only two areas in Victoria classified as remote, the airport forms an important connection to the rest of the state.

Former Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and current Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said this week that he would take up the matter with current minister Catherine King.

“The latest changes which have impacted regional airports like Mallacoota are the latest in a long list of compliance costs and regulations which are impacting the general aviation sector,” Chester said.

“The regulatory burden which falls on the aviation industry has a disproportionate impact on small regional operators who don’t have a vast administration team to do all the paperwork demanded by CASA.

“As a former Minister, I was constantly trying to get the CASA bureaucracy to understand the real-world impacts of their rules and regulations on small operators.

“These latest changes, supposedly in the name of safety, are more likely to endanger lives and delay treatment for locals and visitors to Mallacoota."

Chester all said he knew of pilots who had refused to land at Mallacoota since certification was lost and that on at least one occasion Ambulance Victoria refused to send a flight to the remote town.

A CASA spokesperson told Australian Flying that of the 350 aerodromes that needed to transition to Part 139 by 13 May, Mallacoota was one of only six that elected to surrender their certification, and that no infrastructure changes were needed in order to comply.

In 2010, 34 airports around Australia had their RNAV approaches deleted because they opted not to get certification, which CASA demanded in order to retain the instrument procedures under Part 139.

---

---

Comments:

Karen Gurney • 5 days ago

Why the discrepancy between Council’s assertion that infrastructure upgrades —erosion around the end of the cross strip, reconstruction of the apron and tree height issues — and CASA’s statement that no infrastructure changes were needed to comply? YMCO is a lifeline for those in the SE corner and this decision must be reversed; lives depend on it.

---

peter robinson • 5 days ago

The Shire has mis-managed tree clearance over many years. There have been five instances where clearing has taken place in the wrong location. The current ERSA includes three warnings about the approach to 36.

The Shire ignored user advice about required PCN ratings prior to sealing 18/36 & has history of ignoring user email & calls about safety issues.

This story isn't just about CASA, it's about a "local" Shire (240 Kms away) who have no understanding or interest in aviation generally or the needs of a remote community

Mallacoota update: Courtesy Angel Flight and John Hillard -   

Via the AP email chains:



MTF...P2 

[Kharon]

QED...

If (big one) proof that matters aeronautical needed 'political' support and governmental control; a classic example can be found in the Mallacoota imbroglio (or cock up if you prefer). The local member acted promptly on behalf of his voting public, took the case to the minister and got the ball rolling toward a righteous result. Well done democracy, the MP D. Chester and the local council.



People vote for the representative and the representation they want; their voice in the running of the country to protect their rights and give voice to their 'will'. The notion that those who are not elected can ride rough shod over the will, wishes, needs and demands of the voting public, without being accountable is not remotely democratic, borderline communism IMO. The time for rationalisation and acceptance of 'responsibility' in both the local and ministerial offices is now; it is, after all said and done a big part of the job description - ain't it?

Toot toot.

[Peetwo]

YMCO - UPDATE

QED...

If (big one) proof that matters aeronautical needed 'political' support and governmental control; a classic example can be found in the Mallacoota imbroglio (or cock up if you prefer). The local member acted promptly on behalf of his voting public, took the case to the minister and got the ball rolling toward a righteous result. Well done democracy, the MP D. Chester and the local council.



People vote for the representative and the representation they want; their voice in the running of the country to protect their rights and give voice to their 'will'. The notion that those who are not elected can ride rough shod over the will, wishes, needs and demands of the voting public, without being accountable is not remotely democratic, borderline communism IMO. The time for rationalisation and acceptance of 'responsibility' in both the local and ministerial offices is now; it is, after all said and done a big part of the job description - ain't it?

Toot toot.

Good catch (via Angel Flight)...

MALLACOOTA (YMCO)
                                                                  C25/22
    VALIDATION OF TERMINAL INSTRUMENT FLT PROCEDURES 'NAVCHECK ONE' C-441
    WILL BE CONDUCTING HIGH-PRIORITY CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
    (CASA) FLIGHT VALIDATION OPERATIONS WITHIN 30NM OF THE AERODROME.
    VALIDATION OPERATIONS INCLUDE RANDOM LOW ALT MANOEUVRING AND FLT
    COUNTER TO TFC FLOW IN ASSOCIATED CIRCUIT AREAS. AIRCRAFT WILL
    MONITOR AND BE BROADCASTING INTENTIONS ON COMMON TRAFFIC ADVISORY
    FREQUENCY AND FLIGHT INFORMATION AREA FREQUENCY
    SFC TO 5000FT AGL
    FROM 08 222200 TO 08 231000
    HJ

 

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

YSCB Airport to displace Runway 12 threshold?? (Here we go again -   )

Courtesy AOPA Oz CEO Ben Morgan, via FB & YouTube:

CANBERRA AIRPORT TO PERMANENTLY DISPLACE RUNWAY 12 THRESHOLD
CANBERRA AIRPORT TO PERMANENTLY DISPLACE RUNWAY 12 THRESHOLD, MAKING WAY FOR MORE NON-AVIATION PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

Canberra Airport is set to permanently displace the Runway 12 threshold, enabling the airport operator to activate further non-aviation property developments.

"The displacement of Runway 12 results in an overall safety degradation and will negatively impact on operation of small to medium sized aircraft at Canberra Airport, " Benjamin Morgan, CEO AOPA Australia.

"Lets be clear about what is going on at Canberra Airport... this is about non-aviation property development and the many millions of dollars of profit that it generates,

"They're displacing the Runway 12 threshold and shortening the runway, to enable them to erect buildings and structures beyond the end of the runway that would otherwise be prohibited so as to protect the safety of aviation users,

"This is simply another stunning example of what airport privatisation has delivered for Australia's aviation industry and community, its placed property development profits first and aviation capability and safety last. " he said.

AOPA Australia is calling on general aviation users to attend the upcoming briefing and to use the opportunity to raise your concerns:

Wednesday 26th October 2022 - 6pm to 8pm
ALASTAIR SWAYNE THEATRE
33-35 Brindabella Circuit
Brindabella Business Park
Canberra Airport ACT

AOPA Australia has previously raised concerns for the future of Canberra Airport Runway 12/30, responding to the airport operators runway closure during COVID-19.  Read the full article here:

https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=v...gzIzzKgJS0

Media contact:

BENJAMIN MORGAN
CEO, AOPA Australia
Mobile: 0415 577 724
Email:  ben.morgan@aopa.com.au

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/AOPAaustralia/v...7437625311

Some comments in reply:

Freebird Aviation A'Asia
  · 6:07
Don't forget that the Canberra Airport is the only Airport to have it's own Act ! A result of Terry's investment in the Liberal Party!

---

Byron Air Adventures
  · 8:30
When will people realise that airports are essential infrastructure..
Seems to be happening at most airports, they seem to be a developers dream…
Evans Head which was handed over and perhaps become an air park got purchased by the owner of an over 50s residential development who has basically closed the airport..
Ballina sold of the land they had for a cross strip for industrial developments.

Halden Boyd
  · 0:00
Byron Air Adventures the over 50s residential site you are referring to at Evans Head was sold to the developer by the Richmond Valley Council and has nothing to do with the Airpark consortium. It all started when RVC tried to sell the same parcel of former Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome land to RSL Lifecare for a retirement village. Despite local opposition because the land came within 90 metres to the main airport runway 1836 centreline the NSW Northern Joint Planning Panel approved it. The RSL Lifecare development fell through because of the outrageous DA fees asked by RVC. The land was then onsold.
The whole Evans Head Airport fiasco started because of a greedy council eyeing off Aerodrome as real estate cash cows. The same Council allowed a “gypsy” village estate to be constructed in landing path to Casino Airport.
However to blame the Airpark for the current development at Evans Head is a bit unfair, however I understand where you are coming from. Airports are in the main public infrastructure, and when used and treated as such are a community asset.

---

Byron Air Adventures
  · 0:00
If you want to land there you have to get prier permission and name the current operator on your insurance….
Didn’t mean to suggest it was the air park consortium, I would have loved to actually move there.

---

Shannon Baker
  · 20:37
It could even become a national security issue if these airports were ever needed to be used to supplement or support defence infrastructure in a war time or national disaster scenario.
Oh sorry we can't park our C17's because there's a DFO... Oh sorry our F18 / F35 can't use that runway with enough fuel and Loadout because it's 300 meters too short...

---

Frances Mahy
  · 12:33
Terry snow pd 65m for this airport and managed by capital airport group pty Ltd....follow the money

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

YMUL now decertified??

Via miragenews.com 4 days ago:

Murrayfield Airport to be decertified

The decision by the aeroclub to decertify the aerodrome means that the instrument flight procedures at the airport will be removed.

Instrument flight procedures are a published procedure or route used by aircraft flying using instrument flight rules when they approach and depart from the airport.

They are used by trained and qualified pilots in poor weather and visibility to help them navigate to the runway.

Pilots flying under visual flight rules, where a pilot can clearly see where they are going, are not impacted by the removal of these procedures at Murrayfield.

Airspace users, including emergency services, can continue to safely use the airport. The airport will remain open and operational.

Formal advice has been provided to pilots through a notice to airman (NOTAM).

Background

New aerodrome rules were introduced to improve safety and came into effect on 13 May 2022.

Murrayfield Airport successfully transitioned to the new aerodrome regulation by the deadline.

No infrastructure changes were required as part of or following their transition.

Legacy provisions were in place so that smaller aerodromes like Murrayfield would not need costly work to meet the new standard.

And via the Yaffa yesterday:

Murrayfield loses RNAV as Airport de-certified

27 October 2022



Murrayfield Airport south of Perth has lost its instrument approach after operator Royal Aero Club of WA (RACWA) asked for the airport to be de-certified.

New rules that were implemented in May this year mean that airports must be certified to have RNAVs.

According to a statement on the CASA website, RACWA successfully transitioned Murrayfield to the new regulations, but has since reversed its decision and requested de-certification.

CASA de-certified the airport from Thursday, 27 October, with formal notification via NOTAM.

The introduction of CASR Part 139 put 350 airports in the position of needing to transition to the new rules, of which all but six complied initially.

Mallacoota in Victoria has since recovered its certification and RNAV.

Comment has been sought from RACWA.

"..Legacy provisions were in place so that smaller aerodromes like Murrayfield would not need costly work to meet the new standard.."

Hmmm...am I missing something, why (if the above is true) did RACWA decide to decertify YMUL?? 

MTF..P2 

[Peetwo]

AOPA Oz update on YSCB RW12 threshold displacement -   

Courtesy AOPA Oz, via Youtube:

AOPA Australia CEO Benjamin Morgan provides an update on the permanent displacement of Canberra Airport Runway 12 threshold, which will be implemented this coming week.

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

BJ's legacy on refusing Moorabbin Airport DRAFT Masterplan - 


Via the Yaffa:

Moorabbin Master Plan to reprieve Aviation Businesses

2 December 2022




Moorabbin Airport Corporation (MAC) will submit a new draft master plan to the minister in March next year that will not included the destruction of apron and hangars sought under the rejected 2021 plan.

The original master plan envisaged removing more of the western end of the northern apron for commercial development, demolishing aircraft movement area and forcing aviation businesses out of existing buildings.

Then Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Barnaby Joyce rejected the plan in March.

In mid-November, MAC advised businesses that the new master plan would adopt the same western boundary as set-down in the 2015 master plan, reprieving operators leasing the hangars that were flagged for destruction.

MAC had informed businesses that their leases on the buildings would not be renewed, but failed to offer any practical alternative premises that would enable them to keep operating on the airport.

It is believed now that the businesses are safe for at least another eight years.

According to the communique, MAC will provide GA growth initiatives at Moorabbin Airport during the life of the new master plan with:

• apron and aircraft parking enhancements with more than 10,000 sqm to be improved in the next 12 months
  
• aviation careers awareness program, in its third year, reaches 65 schools
  
• expansion site for the Moorabbin Air Museum to assist with the renewal and improvement of the existing facilities.
  

MAC has said it will communicate and collaborate with stakeholders in finalising the reviewed master plan.

MTF...P2