The current aerodrome studies are most likely the result of a CASA CTAF options paper regarding the establishment and de-establishment of CTAF(R)
www.casa.gov.au/oar/download/ctaf_options_paper.pdf
This document was published by CASA last December and establishes various criteria for the provision of traffic services at uncontrolled aerodromes. The aerodromes under study have moved to the "Risk Group 1" as outlined in that document. More specifically, para.2.2.8 where it states" The provision of a Local Aerodrome Advisory service (LAA) at an aerodrome is to be assessed by an aeronautical studies where at least 2 of the following 3 criteria are met:
a) Total annual aircraft movements exceed 20,000
b) Total annual commercial passenger transport aircraft movements exceed 5,000
c) Total annual passenger numbers (arrival and departure passengers) exceeds 200,000
It seems the results of the studies will enable CASA to recommend the establishment of either ATC tower/ CAGRO/ or unicom services at these airports.
With regard to CAGRO services at Broome , here's a few facts:
1. Traffic information provided by CAGRO at Broome is for all conflicting aircraft both IFR and VFR within the confines of the CTAF. They use the same criteria to assess relevant traffic as ATC. Gen 3.3-12 2.15.5.
Basically the same as the good old Flight Service AFIZ procedures.
2.To avoid duplication of traffic, CAGRO monitors the ATC frequency and if traffic is already passed by ATC they advise "No Additional Traffic". This duplication could be further reduced if :
a) Pilots taxying would advise ATC of traffic already passed to them by the CAGRO
b) ATC did not pass traffic within the CTAF as per Gen 3.3-11 2.15.3 " The ATS obligation to provide the pilot with traffic information ceases when the pilot reports changing to the CTAF"
And with regard to a tower at Broome. on some occasions when Broome gets busy a tower could be warranted, but in the majority of circumstances the CAGRO works very well. And bear in mind that if a "D" tower was introduced, the delays on the ground would be extensive, given the lack of a parellel taxyway and the frequent crossing of runways from north to south of GA aircraft. No more aircraft following each other down the runway etc.etc. So I guess everything is a compromise and nothing is ever going to be perfect. In fact from my observations, the CAGRO service is very well received by both local and RPT pilots.