Aviation policy means certainty for airport investors
17/12/2009
The Federal Government’s White Paper on aviation policy will help ensure the delivery of billions of dollars in private sector-funded airport infrastructure, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) Managing Director and CEO Julieanne Alroe said today.
Ms Alroe said it was the most far-reaching review of Australia’s multi billion dollar aviation industry ever undertaken. She welcomed the Government’s recognition of the importance of the industry and the need for airports to have investment certainty.
“We are pleased to see recognition of the fact that sustainable airport operations are critical to Australia’s prosperity and competitiveness,” Ms Alroe said.
“Aviation is being recognised as the lifeblood in Australia’s challenging geography and its importance will only grow as our economy becomes more global and more airborne. Airports are a critical piece of machinery in a global economy and our airports’ capacity to grow is vital for the long-term prosperity of the nation.”
Ms Alroe said BAC would cooperate with a review of Brisbane Airport’s 24-hour status in 2012, which would help end speculation and foster investment certainty for shareholders as they plan an ambitious program of critical airport infrastructure.
“BAC, the airlines and AirServices Australia already impose rigorous noise abatement measures to minimise the impact of aircraft operations, particularly in noise sensitive hours, including banning older aircraft; directing flights over Moreton Bay; imposing engine restrictions on late-night departures and strict flight paths over suburbs.
“In addition, the introduction of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) technology is ensuring that all aircraft are on computer-controlled descent and departure profiles, resulting in significant fuel, emissions and, importantly, noise savings,” Ms Alroe said.
“We are confident that an evidence-based assessment of Brisbane Airport’s 24-hour operations will highlight the economic, social and environmental benefits of an airport that services more than three million people, handles 20 million passengers annually, is the international gateway for Queensland, and the lifeblood for a vast state.”
Ms Alroe said managing aircraft noise required good planning, technology and community engagement.
“We are undertaking a comprehensive community engagement program because we recognise that a curfew would not be in the interests of the city, the region, the state or the nation. We have established the Brisbane Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group, the Brisbane Airport Technical Noise Working Group, the Brisbane Airport Community Forums and the Brisbane Airport Planning Coordination Forum on Planning and Development. In addition, we are undertaking a range of activities to build understanding between the Airport and the community.
“In 2010, we will expand this program further, with the opening of the Airport Experience Centre – the first of its kind in Australia,” Ms Alroe said.
“We will continue to work with the Federal Government and with AirServices Australia and our airline partners to reduced fuel use, carbon emissions and noise. We are achieving major community benefits without compromising the long-term sustainability of Brisbane Airport.”
Ms Alroe also welcomed the reviewed security measures to be implemented by 1 July 2010, which she said will better align Australia with our international security counterparts.
“Applying risk-based intelligence to security measures is a much smarter approach, as it will lessen the security burden on the Australian travelling public without diminishing the security outcome.”
Ends
