I have approved Archerfield Airport’s 2011 Master Plan which sets out its strategic direction and intended uses over the coming two decades.

In giving this approval, I have insisted that the operators take further steps to improve their relationship with nearby communities, including better engagement with the Community Aviation Consultation Group on operational, planning and development matters.

This is consistent with the principles outlined in our Aviation White Paper.

The Master Plan also proposes continued investment to the Airport’s basic infrastructure, including a realignment of its secondary grass runways as well as the relocation of aircraft facilities closer to the main runway and away from nearby homes.
Together, these improvements should help make operations at the Airport even
safer while lessening the impacts of aircraft noise and emissions on the quality of life of those living around it.
However in accordance with the Airports Act 1996, the operators will need to
prepare a Major Development Plan for approval before any work on realigning the runways can start.  This process will require further extensive consultations with
the local community as well as the users of the Airport.
The operators are also required to fully consult, including with the Archerfield Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group (AACACG), before any commercial airline can begin offering regular services into and out of the Airport.
Lastly, I welcome the Airport’s commitment to reviewing its environmental management procedures and Cultural Heritage Management Plan with the aim of improving transparency and information sharing.
Archerfield Airport now has 50 business days to make its Master Plan publicly available.