I have approved Brisbane Airport’s 2009 Master Plan which sets out its strategic direction and intended uses for the next 20 years.

Following my approval, the Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) will now take a number of immediate steps to improve the way it engages with nearby communities and responds to their concerns, particularly in relation to aircraft noise.

Firstly, the Airport will develop an integrated and comprehensive strategy for community engagement on its operations. I am particularly pleased Ms Julieanne Alroe, BAC’s Chief Executive Officer, has agreed to lead the team tasked with developing this strategy.

I expect to receive regular reports on its engagement strategy and will be closely monitoring its progress and outcomes.

Secondly, a new permanent committee with community representatives will be established to consider ways to improve long term noise mitigation measures. This will be supplemented by a Technical Noise Working Group of industry representatives and ongoing public forums in affected communities.

Thirdly, the Airport will continue to examine all runway options for departures and arrivals, with the aim of maximising over water operations and minimising aircraft noise over urban areas.

Fourth, the Airport will establish a ‘Community Experiential Centre’ onsite with displays, demonstrations and online information about aircraft noise.

Finally, the Government will periodically review the need for a curfew at the Airport. Further details about this process will be outlined in the Aviation White Paper scheduled for release later this year.

Brisbane Airport is vital to the economy of south east Queensland, supporting thousands of local jobs and generating billions of exports dollars.

The Airport has a responsibility to be a good neighbour, mindful that its day-to-day operations impact on the lives of those living around it. Accordingly, the Government believes those residents should be consulted on decisions that will ultimately affect their quality of life.

To meet Brisbane’s growing need for aviation infrastructure, the Airport’s Master Plan sets out a substantial investment program including an expansion of its domestic terminal, upgrades to its aprons and taxiways and a new parallel runway.

I expect BAC to properly manage these developments by working closely with the community as well as State and local planning authorities to address any impacts.

BAC has 50 business days to make its 2009 Master Plan public.