Defence gives Wagners airport permission to take-off

THE ambitious plan to build the country’s first public airport from scratch in more than five decades west of Toowoomba is on schedule to open next year.

THE ambitious plan to build the country's first public airport from scratch in more than five decades west of Toowoomba is on schedule for the first flight to take-off in the second half of next year.

One of the major stumbling blocks for the Toowoomba-based Wagner family, which is behind the multi-million dollar project, has been the use of military airspace given the project's proximity to the Oakey Army Training and Aviation Centre.

However, Wagners Group chairman John Wagner said yesterday a mutual agreement had been reached between the two parties allowing work on the project to ramp-up even further.

"Plans are progressing along very well. We have reached an agreement with the Department of Defence in relation to the airspace," Mr Wagner said.

"It has been a very positive outcome for both parties.

"We are through all the hurdles now," he said.

Wagners Wellcamp Airport Project Manager Phil Gregory looking over the new runway. Picture: Nev Madsen

Mr Wagner said the company was now working closely with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to determine the best possible flight corridors for the new airport.

"CASA has undertaken an airspace study to determine the possible routes west of Brisbane," he said. "The army airspace was re-jigged a bit.

"We hope to finalise all airspace issues by the end of the year."

The multi-million dollar project is set on more than 850 hectares and includes a 2.87 kilometre asphalt runway that is 45 metres wide.

The airport project master plan will include a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, industrial estate, shopping precinct complete with hotel, bars and restaurants as well as providing a direct link to the proposed Toowoomba Range bypass.

Mr Wagner said the completed airport, which would have the capability to accommodate aircraft up to a 747 in size, had the potential to be an extremely important hub for the agricultural industry across the Darling Downs.

"We believe it could significantly change the agriculture sector in the region," he said.

"There is definitely a market to fly fresh produce out of the region and into Asia.

"We have even been approached about flying live cattle out of the airport."

Mr Wagner said a jet-capable airport was the vital piece of infrastructure missing from the region.

"This region has seriously lacked infrastructure and connectivity," he said.

"This airport will go a long way to solving those connectivity issues.

"It will considerably enhance Toowoomba's reputation as the place to do business."

Mr Wagner said he would not have invested millions of dollars of his family's money in a project he thought would not succeed.

"We have had overwhelming support from the community and all levels of government," he said.

"Our schedule is right on time and on budget.

"It is a long-term investment for our family.

"It will not only benefit this generation, but many others in the future."

Last December, Toowoomba Regional Council voted unanimously to allow the airport project to proceed.

The Wagner family took advantage of a two-year window after council amalgamation in which they could still apply under former planning schemes - in this case, that of Jondaryan Shire Council.

The decision was made in the final two days before this window closed, resulting in the project being given the tick of approval without having to undergo a strict community consultation period with ratepayers and those who might have been affected by the project.

John Wagners' brother Denis Wagner served on Jondaryan Shire Council prior to amalgamation.

AIRPORT FAST FACTS

•  2.87 kilometre asphalt runway 45 metres wide.
•  Runway due to be completed in April 2014
•  First aircraft scheduled for September/October 2014
•  Direct Sydney and Melbourne flights a distinct possibility
•  One of the largest projects currently being undertaken in Australia
•  First public airport to be built from scratch since Tullamarine in Melbourne back in 1960s
•  Australia's first privately built airport

Originally published as Defence gives Wagners airport permission to take-off