Defence Department wants new public safety zones for RAAF Edinburgh air base in Adelaide’s northern suburbs
NEW safety zones sought for the RAAF Edinburgh air base could stop development in large parts of Adelaide’s northern suburbs — in a huge shock to thousands of local residents, businesses and property developers.
NEW safety zones sought by the Defence Department for the Edinburgh air base could stop development in large parts of Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
The proposed zones from the ends of the base’s two runways will replace existing 1km long areas where development is prohibited to minimise the loss of life and property in the event of an aviation accident.
The new zones will stretch for almost 5km and be almost 1km wide, covering more than 2360 additional properties from the base’s southern end within Direk, Burton, Salisbury North and Paralowie. Northern properties at Penfield Gardens and Angle Vale could also be affected.
No further development will be permitted within the zones, including subdivisions, housing estates and light industrial complexes.
Other land uses which could be banned include the construction of new shopping centres, restaurants, hotels, multi-storeyed apartments, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, childcare centres and kindergartens.
The possible creation of the zones are part of a national push to improve safety around 22 federal airports and the various RAAF air bases.
The Defence Department wants its bases to introduce new safety zones which are used by the US Air Force and has asked local councils to help implement them.
Salisbury City Council is now assessing the implications of the proposed zones on a Development Amendment Plan (DPA) which has been out for public consultation for several months.
The council wants the State Government to take leadership on the issue while seeking a commitment from the Federal Government that it will inform property owners the new zones are a federal initiative.
Its planning committee has received a report which states the new zones, if introduced, would have “serious implications for residents and owners of residential, retail, commercial and industrial properties”.
“There would be significant impost on current land owners should restrictions be imposed on the developments within the affected areas,” it says.
“It is assumed that there would be a significant difference in land value from current values as the transition of land uses occurs.”
The report said the Federal Government had to accept that compulsory acquisition, compensation and relocation should be made available to property owners.
It also had to provide “clear and unambiguous information” that the proposed guidelines were the result of a federal direction.
“This is having an impact on the economic potential of a significant number of properties and businesses, and is not being considered in the context of a balance between community and airport needs,” says the report.
In a statement to Northern Weekly the council said it was investigating the implications of the proposed new safety zones for the Edinburgh air base.
“(Council) will be making a submission that relates to how changing operations at airports are consulted on, managed and incorporated into the identified public safety zones as well as recognising that regulations for the protection of airports have a significant incremental and increasing impact on the communities around airports,” it said.
“This is in recognition of the importance of aviation to the state economy, that it affects multiple communities and is not a single council issue, and accordingly requires a standardised policy approach and leadership from the State Government on these matters.”
The council is also assessing the implications of separate safety zones which are being sought for Parafield Airport which could affect 370 properties in Salisbury South, Parafield Gardens and Para Hills West.
Residents blindsided by proposed zoning change
RESIDENTS, businesses and property developers have been blindsided by a federal push to impose air safety zones over their properties in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
Details of the zones emerged only days before a public hearing was held by Salisbury City Council to hear submissions on its development amendment plan for the area surrounding the Edinburgh RAAF air base.
The zones — if introduced — will permit the continuation of existing land uses but prohibit any further activity which would lead to more people living or working five kilometres to the north and south of the base’s main runway.
Burton resident Karen Gavin said the subdivision of her large semi-rural property could be banned, leading to large financial loss.
Ms Gavin, who has been trying to have the property rezoned to residential for potential sale to a developer, said compensation needed to be paid to landowners adversely affected by the new zones.
“This will have huge monetary consequences for landowners over the value and development rights on their land and most landowners are not even aware this is happening,” she said.
“A highway impacting your land is regarded as a compulsory acquisition but if you have the same impact from above your head it’s just too bad if air bases want to outgrow existing communities that already have pre-existing development rights.”
Heyne’s Wholesale Nursery manager Carl Heyne said the new safety zones and the existing zoning changes sought by Salisbury City Council could severely restrict the future expansion of the 149-year-old business.
“We have been at Waterloo Corner Road, Burton, since 1984 and we have been steadily investing in the site ever since,” he said.
“The sustainability of our business has wider impacts. We are a local business. We employ local people. We connect with and buy our inputs from other local businesses”.
Burton commercial orchid grower Graham Guest said it was unfair for the Defence Department to “handball” safety issues associated with the expansion of Edinburgh to the Salisbury City Council under its zoning powers.
“This is wrong. RAAF cannot hide from their responsibilities,” he said.
“It seems logical that some hard decisions need to be undertaken by RAAF like realigning the existing runway or, if a realignment isn’t feasible, then it should compulsorily acquire all properties it now considers to be ‘at danger’.”
Mr Guest said if compulsory acquisition was ruled out, then the location of the entire base needed to be examined.
“Why should a military air base be situated within the metropolitan area of Adelaide,” he said.
“The counter argument that RAAF was here first does not stack up, cities in Australia are characterised by substantial growth, essential for our sustained economy.
“There is abundant land on the outskirts of our city that could accommodate a military base and, if adopted, ensure RAAF’s safety concerns are addressed.”
Fast facts
What is a Public Safety Zone (PSZ)?
Public Safety Zones are designated areas of land at the end of airport runways which restrict what activities can be undertaken to minimise potential damage from aviation accidents.
What area does a PSZ cover?
The size and shape of PSZs are dependent on each airport’s operations. They can be an elongated triangular shape or a four-edged zone.
Why are they needed at airports?
The use of PSZs limits the amount of people who can congregate near airports, reducing the risk of harm to people and damage to properties.
Why are they being introduced?
A Commonwealth advisory group has been working to establish national guidelines as none exist, including for large airports and defence bases.
Who implements PSZs?
State and local governments are responsible for the land outside of airports, while the Commonwealth is responsible for the land occupied by its 22 airports.
Who is affected?
PSZs vary by location. Property owners should contact their local council or planning authority but final details have yet to be finalised.
What if my property is inside a PSZ?
PSZs do not apply to existing properties. Extensions to existing houses are usually permitted. However, new development such as subdivisions and housing estates is usually prohibited.
When will they be introduced?
The public consultation process closes on July 15. The feedback will then be incorporated into a final guideline which the Transport and Infrastructure Council will be asked to endorse.
Join the conversation
‘Key’ tobacco wars figure sent $1.2m overseas, court told
An Adelaide man arrested during investigations into arson attacks on shops owns or is linked to several illicit tobacco stores and sent $1.2m overseas, a court has heard.
Read more
Merc couple assaulted at knifepoint in terrifying TTP carjacking
A couple in a Mercedes have been assaulted and carjacked by a duo armed with a knife in a midnight encounter in a shopping centre carpark in Adelaide’s northeast.
Read more