Seeing as this is a rumour network...wondering if anyone has any updates on the recommendations from CASA in their review published nearly a year ago, at the end of 2022.
https://www.casa.gov.au/airspace-review-ballina
Recommendation 3 CASA should direct AA to install an Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) ground station in the vicinity of Ballina to improve surveillance as soon as practicable but no later than April 2023. The ground station should, as far as is practical, provide ADS-B surveillance capability to the runway surface
Was this done? ADSB maps on Airservices site are from 2020 and do not show a ground station in the vicinity of YBNA.
Recommendation 7 As an interim action pending the completion of Recommendation 8, CASA should make a determination to establish a control area around Ballina Byron Gateway Airport with a base which is as low as possible, and direct AA to provide services within the control area. The services should be provided during all periods of scheduled Air Transport Operations and include an Approach Control Service to aircraft operating under the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), separation between IFR aircraft, VFR traffic information to all aircraft, and sequencing of all aircraft to and from the runway. CASA and AA should jointly explore opportunities to detect non-cooperative aircraft or vehicles in the immediate vicinity of the runway. The services should be established as soon as practicable but no later than 30 November 2023.
Is this on track to be completed by end of next month? Is this Class E or some variation thereof?
I note the
VTC that comes into effect from 30/11/23 shows Class C LL 8500 and the MBA ie. no change to how it currently is.
Recommendation 8 CASA should make a determination that Ballina Byron Gateway Airport will become a controlled aerodrome with an associated control zone and control area, and direct Airservices Australia (AA) to provide an Aerodrome Control Service1 to the aerodrome. That service should be established as soon as practicable but no later than 13 June 2024.
Is there any rumours on whether this will be a physical tower or a remote tower?