Bankstown Airport Management not HAPPY
Minister reject BAL Master Plan
16 February 2011
AA023/2011
Bankstown Airport Master Plan Not Approved
Today I am announcing my decision to not approve Bankstown Airport’s 2010 draft Master Plan.
I am not satisfied that the draft plan gave the community sufficient information about the airport’s plans to allow for proper consultation.
In its proposed Master Plan, Bankstown Airport sought approval for up to 32 passenger flights a day.
This would be a significant change given the airport does not have any passenger flights at present.
Bankstown Airport is now required to develop and submit a new draft master plan following proper public consultation.
The current master plan remains in force until a new one is approved.
Over the longer term, the Gillard Labor Government is taking a comprehensive approach to Sydney’s aviation needs.
That is why we have established a joint taskforce with New South Wales to report on the capacity needs for the Sydney Basin, including sites for a second airport.
We have already made it clear that Bankstown will not be Sydney’s second airport.
The Government supports the operation of secondary capital city airports vital to general aviation, such as Bankstown.
Bankstown reply
Media Release
Bankstown Airport Perplexed by Master Plan Decision
Bankstown Airport Limited has today expressed its disappointment with the decision made by The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, to not approve the Bankstown Airport Master Plan.
“At this stage the Airport will review its options in light of the decision” said Mr Colin Grove, CEO, Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown.
“We do not concur with the Minister’s view that we did not adequately consult with the community, as we consider that we have set a high benchmark in terms of Airport community consultation since the Airport was privatised. Specifically we consider we exceeded the Airports Act 1996 Regulations regarding community consultation in relation to the Master Plan. The Airport received 245 submissions from the public, which is evidence of an effective consultation process and we adjusted the draft Master Plan significantly as result of the consultation process”
“The Minister contends that the inclusion of a proposal for 32 scheduled passenger movements per day is a significant change to the Airport’s operations. We disagree with the Minister’s contention, as the proposal is an extension of the standing approvals from the Master Plan 2005, for 12 daily movements by Code 3C aircraft. To date a commercial operator has not sought to take up this opportunity.”
“The refused 2010 draft Master Plan clearly states that passenger services is a mid to long term objective likely to start at 16 movement per day progressing to a maximum of 32 movements per day in aircraft smaller than code 3C. Following the consultation process we revised the number of passengers based on smaller aircraft type and demonstrated that if passenger services were to be implemented the impact of this activity would be satisfactorily accommodated within the current Airport facilities.”
“The Airport acknowledges that there is an increase in the proposed number of aircraft but contends the proposed number of scheduled passenger movements would form 2.5 % of total annual movements of all aircraft at the Airport.
“We note the Minister’s comments regarding study on the future of Sydney’s aviation needs. We continue to propose that Bankstown Airport offers an important role to play in maintaining the commercial viability of general aviation and offers a unique and sustainable approach to niche scheduled passenger services for the growing population of Western Sydney” concluded Mr Grove.”
“The Airport continues to balance the regulatory obligations with the ongoing commercial viability of the Airport,” said Mr Colin Grove, CEO, Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown.