The Australian Government is working to ensure the next Archerfield Airport Master Plan delivers the best outcomes for the airport’s future, the local aviation industry and the surrounding community.
Archerfield Airport is Brisbane’s metropolitan airport and a critical centre for general aviation in Queensland, supporting corporate and charter flights, flying training and various aviation maintenance services.
The Government has concerns that the draft Master Plan submitted by Archerfield Airport Corporation (AAC) does not provide an adequate level of detail in several areas surrounding the airport’s land use, future developments and environmental impact management.
I have therefore used my authority under the Airports Act 1996 to ask AAC to provide a fresh draft Master Plan for consideration within 180 days.
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 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.
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.
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 current 2017 Master Plan will remain in force until a new draft Master Plan is approved. My department will continue to work with AAC through this process.
