I have approved the Master Plan for Jandakot Airport for the expansion of aviation facilities. However, any proposed development of commercial precincts at the airport site is subject to approval by the Minister for the Environment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

The Master Plan sets out an investment program of more than $60 million for new airport infrastructure, including a fourth runway and associated taxiways, safety improvements to training areas, general aviation facilities and multi-use hangars.

The Airport must work closely with the community to minimise any impacts from development, including from aircraft noise, construction and increased road traffic.

Its Master Plan contains commitments that all commercial development at the Airport will comply with State planning policies and that there will be caps on retail development to minimise impact on local centres.

Jandakot Airport will also establish a Community Aviation Consultation Group to ensure the community has direct input on airport planning matters.

The Group will have an independent Chair, and the arrangements for the Group will be developed with the Cities of Canning, Cockburn and Melville, as well as the aviation industry.

I have also approved the Airport Environment Strategy for Jandakot Airport, which sets out its objectives for the environmental management of the airport site, including for ground-based noise, soil, groundwater and heritage matters.

Implementation of the Environment Strategy will need to be consistent with upcoming decisions under the EPBC Act and undertakings in the Master Plan.

Jandakot Airport is the base for a number of flight training schools, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, emergency services including the police and water bombers, as well as general aviation and flying operations that support regional Western Australia.

The Rudd Labor Government believes that aviation-related development must be the overriding priority at airports.

We are preparing to introduce legislation later this year to strengthen community consultation and approval processes for major developments at airports.

This legislation, which was flagged in the National Aviation White Paper, will require any development that may have a significant community impact, regardless of size or cost, to be subject to a major development plan requiring Commonwealth approval, as well as extensive community consultation.

Jandakot Airport now has 50 business days to make the Master Plan and Environment Strategy public.