Archerfield Airport gets approval for Major Development Plan

Almost 100 extra daily flights are anticipated at a Brisbane airport after the Federal Government gave its major upgrade plans the tick of approval.

Archerfield Airport is planning a major upgrade to the runway.

The Federal Government has approved a draft Major Development Plan for Archerfield Airport which involves lengthening the main runway and other safety improvements.

Aircraft movements could more than double annually from 120,000 to 260,000, in accordance with the privately-owned airport’s Master Plan 2017-2037, which was approved on July 15, 2017.

But Archerfield Airport Corporation general manager Heather Mattes believes a 30 per cent increase was more realistic.

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An aerial shot of Archerfield Airport.

Last week, Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack announced the approval for the $17.5 million worth of planned airport improvements.

The project has been a source of contention over the years for locals and businesses working from and around the airport but Ms Mattes is adamant the unrest had dissipated.

Mr McCormack said he supported the continued growth of Archerfield Airport in its role as a major pilot training, emergency services, charter and recreational flying centre for southeast Queensland.

Archerfield Airport expansion. Photo: AAC

“It is pleasing to see the airport’s facilities being modernised, with safety as a core principle in the proposed airfield works,” the Minister said in his letter of approval to Archerfield Airport Corporation (AAC).

“I am pleased to advise I have approved the dMDP in accordance with section 94(2) of the Airports Act 1996.”

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The runway extension proposal, which was open for public comment from December last year to March this year, involves lengthening the main runway, providing runway end safety areas and installing new LED runway lighting. Complementary works include runway and adjoining taxiway strengthening, new LED taxiway lighting and other safety improvements such as Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI).

The outgoing Archerfield Airport general manager Heather Mattes has been recognised for her behind the scenes community work. She is pictured with ALP State Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch MP.

Mrs Mattes said the major investment underway at Archerfield Airport would modernise ageing infrastructure and enhance existing aircraft capability to and from the airport.

Project AIM (Airside Infrastructure Modernisation) will also help cater for anticipated growth in aircraft movements and ensure that Archerfield Airport continued to play a supportive role to Brisbane Airport for the foreseeable future.

Dr Andrew Donohue with flight critical care paramedic Elliott Bates and Dr Lynton Hargrave from LifeFlight, Retrieval Medicine posing at Archerfield. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)

“The improvements have been foreshadowed in successive airport master plans since 2000, and they will provide a range of safety, environmental, economic and operational benefits for the types and sizes of aircraft currently using the airport,” Mrs Mattes said.

Mrs Mattes, who steps down from her position at the end of this month after almost five years as the airport’s general manager, said formal approval of the draft Major Development Plan was personally very satisfying.

TRAINING: A real time mock emergency exercise was held at Archerfield Airport last year.

“I am privileged to have had the opportunity to lead the airport during a time of massive change and modernisation, and Federal endorsement of AAC’s future plans is a clear sign that the airport is on track to achieve its long term vision to become a state centre of excellence for all things aeronautical,” she said.

AAC has injected more than $40 million into the repair, restoration and renewal of the airport since taking over operations in 1998.

Project AIM works will continue to build on this investment and provide a solid platform for the airport’s future. The works are expected to be completed over the coming 10 years, with the runway extension aspects anticipated to commence later this year or early 2020.

The final Major Development Plan will be published on Archerfield Airport’s website in the coming few weeks.