Adelaide Airport safety rules could crash property values
THE value of properties close to Adelaide Airport could plummet in the wake of a federal government push to establish Public Safety Zones at ends of airport runways across the country.
THE value of properties close to Adelaide Airport could plummet in the wake of a federal Government push to establish safety zones at the ends of runways across the country, councillors fear.
The Public Safety Zones would aim to “limit land uses which increase the number of people living, working or congregating” in these areas, according to federal guidelines.
Residents and businesses in the areas would be prohibited from subdividing their properties, building additional dwellings such as granny flats or storing hazardous materials.
The zones aim to limit the number of human casualties in the event of a plane crashing on landing or takeoff.
The national guidelines on PSZs are not retrospective, meaning residents would not be required to move or have their properties compulsorily acquired.
The guidelines were released to West Torrens Council for consultation — although the Federal Government is yet to release final dates or a map detailing the shape and size of zones likely to be affected.
West Torrens Mayor John Trainer told Messenger Community News: “The initiative is still up in the air but of course no one wants to see the value of their property decline.”
According to the guidelines, the size and shape of Adelaide Airport’s PSZ is likely to extend for 1km from the end of runways, typically in a triangular or four-sided formation, eventually tapering away towards the end of their range.
New or proposed developments with “incompatible uses/activities” in PSZs include new houses, multiple dwellings, resort complexes, tourist parks, hostels, retirement villages community centres, hospitals, theatres, childcare centres and playgrounds, places of worship, shopping centres, markets, hotels, tourist attractions, industries, warehouses, and bus, train or light rail stations.
Most properties at the ends of the main north-south runway are in West Richmond, Brooklyn Park and Glenelg North. The alternate east-west runway abuts West Beach and Netley.
But the size and scope of the PSZ could expand when a third runway is introduced to accommodate the rapid growth in the number of aircraft and range of airlines using Adelaide Airport, which already serves in excess of 8 million passengers annually. No date has been set for a third runway.
West Torrens councillors expressed dismay and anger at the possible impact on residents likely to be caught in the PSZ net at last week’s council meeting, some saying it was a Commonwealth attempt to dump responsibility for the complexprocess onto a local authority.
“The value of people’s properties could be made effectively zero overnight as a result of what is a federal Government imposition,” said Cr Kym McKay.
“Who is going to let the people know about this and what guarantees do affected residents have that they will be heard?,” asked Cr Arthur Mangos
“This seems to be another step to get rid of the curfew,” said Cr George Demetriou.
Councillors agreed the State Government should be responsible for deciding the PSZ model, not a single council.
Business and Community Services general manager Pauline Koritsa said: “The State Government is across this. The ball is in their court.”
SA Transport, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stephan Knoll told Messenger Community News he had written to every MP in whose constituency the Federal Government is undertaking a consultation process on PSZs.
“The State Government still retains all powers over planning decisions,” he said. “The new State Government is working to ensure that existing property rights are maintained to the greatest extent”.
The federally-controlled airport was established in 1955.
PSZs are already mandatory at all airports in Queensland.
In its submission to the federal Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities Department, to be lodged on July 12, the council says a PSZ, based on the Queensland model, would affect a “number of properties” on the ends of the main runway.
“Unfortunately, in the case of Adelaide Airport, the urban areas have already encroached upon the areas that are likely to be included in a PSZ,” the submission says. .
“Residents who own property in the areas are unlikely to welcome additional development limitations imposed on properties as a result of the implementation of PSZs as this will impact on property values and future development opportunities,” it says.
The safety guidelines, developed by the National Airports Safeguarding Advisory Group, fly in the face of state urban planning policies, which promote infill development and increasing residential building heights.
SA’s residential development code provides for “as of right” residential development and subdivisions.
The 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide seeks to increase urban density and “set expectations around the ability to subdivide and develop land” in metropolitan Adelaide.
“This policy pressure, combined with the age of dwellings in these areas, creates opportunities and demand for subdivision and additional dwellings in these areas”, the submission states.
