AUSTRALIA'S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES
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AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS ASSOCIATION 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & INTRODUCTION 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – KEY MESSAGES 4
INTRODUCTION 6
CONTENTS
THE FACTS 9
AUSTRALIA’S AIRPORTS 10
AVIATION ACTIVITY AT AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS. 28
OTHER ACTIVITIES AT REGIONAL AIRPORTS 30
RUNNING A REGIONAL AIRPORT 31
REGULATION OF AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS 33
TRAFFIC AT REGIONAL AIRPORTS 40
THE WIDER ECONOMIC GAINS GENERATED BY AIRPORTS 48
THE MYTHS 51
MYTHS ABOUT AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS 52
AIRPORTS ARE POWERFUL MONOPOLIES 52
AIRPORTS ARE A LICENCE TO PRINT MONEY 52
AIRPORT OPERATORS CONTROL EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS
AT THEIR AIRPORT, ESPECIALLY NOISE 53
AIRPORTS ARE PASSIVE ASSETS THAT RUN THEMSELVES 54
RUNNING AN AIRPORT IS JUST LIKE RUNNING A
CAMPING GROUND 54
AIRPORTS RENTS SHOULD NOT BE SET AT MARKET RATES
FOR AIRPORT TENANTS 54
ii AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 2012
THE CHALLENGES 55 CHALLENGES FOR AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS 56 FINANCIAL CAPACITY TO MAINTAIN REGIONAL AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE 56 MAINTAINING RPT SERVICES TO REGIONAL AIRPORTS 57 SKILLING THE REGIONAL AIRPORT 57 ENHANCING REGIONAL AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND 58 THE RISK OF “STRANDED” ASSETS AT REGIONAL AIRPORTS 59 PROTECTING THE OPERATIONAL VIABILITY OF REGIONAL AIRPORTS FROM OFF-AIRPORT ENCROACHMENT 60 LIVING WITH THE GA INDUSTRY AT REGIONAL AIRPORTS 60 LIVING WITH THE COST OF AVIATION SAFETY REGULATION 62 LIVING WITH THE COST OF SECURITY REGULATION 62 AVOIDING UNNECESSARY AND INCONSISTENT REGULATION 64 MAINTAINING REGULATORY AWARENESS 64 COMPETITION 64 OPTIMISING NON-AERONAUTICAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT AERONAUTICAL OPERATIONS 64 SUSCEPTIBILITY TO BROADER ECONOMIC CONDITIONS 65 ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES 65 PROMOTING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF REGIONAL AIRPORTS 65 Care has been taken to ensure the factual accuracy of the material in this paper but time and the lack of readily available public data sources does mean that some data may be inaccurate, out-dated or incomplete. The AAA would appreciate any such instance being drawn to its attention. AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 1
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS
ASSOCIATION
The Australian Airports Association (AAA) is the There are a further 100 corporate partners
national industry voice for airports in Australia. representing aviation stakeholders and
The AAA represents the interests of more than organisations that provide goods and services to
260 airports and aerodromes Australia wide – from the airport sector. The AAA facilitates co-operation
local country community landing strips to major among all member airports and their many and
international gateway airports. The AAA’s members varied partners in Australian aviation, whilst
include Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, contributing to an air transport system that is safe,
Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Perth, Melbourne and secure, environmentally responsible and efficient
Sydney airports. for the benefit of all Australians and visitors.
The AAA serves airports across the entire national If you have any questions regarding this document
aviation infrastructure network. This includes: please contact the AAA on 02 6230 1110.
»» Tier 1 Capital City Airports
»» Tier 2 Non-Capital International Gateway
Airports
»» Tier 3 Major Regional Airports with direct
interstate services
»» Tier 4 Major Regional RPT airports without
direct interstate services (with more than
20,000 passengers)
»» Tier 5 Regional Airports without direct
interstate services (with less than 20,000
passengers)
»» Tier 6 Regional Airports without Regular
Passenger Transport services (general aviation
operations only)
»» Tier 7 Remote Community Aerodromes
(exist for community service aviation:
medical, emergency flights).
2 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
& INTRODUCTION
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – KEY MESSAGES
There are over 2000 landing sites for The report also identified, but did not seek to put a
aircraft in Australia. dollar-value on, the other ‘catalytic impacts’ which
airports have on the economy – that is, the extent to
which the existence of airports and the air services they
While the majority of these are very small and private enable boosts the performance of other industries and
sites not generally available for public use, this paper indeed the overall economy.
identifies and discusses over 400 of the most significant
While the preponderance of that economic benefit
civilian airports in Australia, with particular emphasis on
derives from only a handful of airports in the capital
regional airports – that is, those other than the principal
cities and major tourist destinations, the balance
capital city airports.
attributable to regional airports is still economically
Australia’s airports are fundamentally a community significant and, perhaps more importantly, vital to
asset: the social and economic life of Australia’s regional
communities.
>> Our biggest airports, while leased to and operated
by the private sector, remain owned by the This paper identifies the range of aviation and non-
Commonwealth Government; aviation activity that occurs at Australia’s regional
>> The overwhelming majority of all other airports, and this alone emphasises how vitally
Australian airports are owned and operated by important regional airports are to the communities
the local government authority for the community they serve.
they serve;
Despite this importance and these benefits, however,
>> Of those airports that are not government Australia’s regional airports face considerable
owned, the majority are owned by, and operated challenges in maintaining, let alone growing, the
predominantly for the purposes of, resource service they provide to their local communities:
extraction corporations; and
>> While some airports owned by a local government >> As many as 50% may be operating at a loss each
authority may be operated by the private sector on year, and are heavily dependent upon cross-
the authority’s behalf, only a handful of Australia’s subsidisation by their local government owners
regional airports are both owned and operated by who face multiple and competing demands on
the private sector for general public use. their limited finances. In these circumstances,
developing non-aeronautical activity on-airport
This paper seeks to bring together little known and can be essential in order to maintain future
seldom recognised facts about Australia’s regional capacity for aeronautical activity.
airports, to dispel various myths that circulate about >> The number of airports serviced by regular public
them, and to catalogue the serious challenges that transport (RPT) has declined markedly over the
regional airports face in meeting the future needs of years and trends in airline operations threaten to
the communities they serve. further reduce this number in the future, risking
A recent study conducted by Deloitte Access Economics increased isolation for many Australians in rural
for the Australian Airports Association (AAA) showed and remote communities.
that, in 2011, Australia’s airports generated a total >> While total RPT passenger movements at
economic contribution of around $17.3 billion - Australia’s regional airports grew at a faster rate
equivalent to around 1.2% of Gross Domestic Product. than at airports in the major cities between 2005
and 2010 when measured on a national average
National employment at airports was estimated at basis, such figures disguise the volatility and
approximately 115,200 full-time equivalent (FTE) unevenness that is apparent when airport-by-
workers. airport figures are examined - while some regional
airports (and particularly those serving mining
sites) did experienced very high growth, a very
significant number experienced low, no or negative
growth over the same period.
AS MANY
>> Maintaining and developing the capacity of a
regional airport so that it is able to be used by RPT
aircraft is not only expensive but carries a high
AS 50% OF
degree of risk that assets may be “stranded”, as
airlines give no guarantee to continue to maintain
RPT services either at current schedules, by current
AUSTRALIA’S
size aircraft, or at all.
>> While meaningful traffic figures for Australian
non-RPT aviation are not available, it is readily
apparent that regional airports accommodate the
vast majority of such activities that are vital to the
social and economic wellbeing of Australia’s regional
REGIONAL
communities, and yet both the general aviation (GA)
industry and regional airports are under significant
pressure to remain operational and efficient.
AIRPORTS
>> Operating an airport calls for specialist expertise
that is particularly hard to recruit, train and maintain
in regional locations.
MAY BE
>> Due to the tyranny of distance, the costs of
maintaining and expanding regional airport OPERATING
AT A LOSS
infrastructure are far, far higher than those incurred
by airports in the major population centres – often
up to three times in some remote locations, and for
EACH YEAR
some particular specialist services even more.
>> Costs of regulation are proportionately greater
in the overall budget of regional airports than for
capital city airports – often by a factor of three.
>> Avoiding safety, security and environmental
regulation that is unnecessarily complex or that is
not sufficiently sensitive to the circumstances of
the individual airport and achieving consistency
in the application of regulation across like airports
are major challenges not just for airport operators
but also for Australia’s many regulators who impact
airports.
A resounding majority of Australia’s most important
civilian airports available for public use are members of
the AAA - the Association’s airport members own and/
or operate 249 such airports.
The breadth of the AAA’s membership within the
Australian airport industry means that it is an invaluable
resource for all Governments and government agencies
with a need to consult within the industry to ensure
that their policy and operation decisions are well
informed and do not have unintended or unexpected
adverse consequences.
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 5
INTRODUCTION
In 2012 the Australian Airports Association But the study also made clear that there are important
(AAA) launched a major paper setting out the differences and distinctions between airports.
Essentially, “no two airports are the same”. Among the
results of a study of the economic and social key findings of the study are the following points of
contribution of Australia’s airports, prepared particular relevance to Australia’s regional airports:
by Deloitte Access Economics. >> Australia’s network of airports, across major urban
centres and regional areas, form an integral part of
the national economic infrastructure and are critical
That study looks at all Australian airports and provides to connecting communities and enhancing broader
an important insight into just how important all our economic performance.
airports are to the Australian economy and community.
>> More than almost any other country, Australia relies
Just one finding of the study highlights this value:
on an efficient and reliable aviation sector and
In 2011, Australia’s airports generated a total airport network for its citizens to remain physically
economic contribution of around $17.3 billion, ‘in touch’ with each other and the rest of the world.
equivalent to around 1.2% of Gross Domestic >> There are around 250 airports which receive Regular
Product. National employment at airports was Public Transport (RPT) services and many more
estimated at approximately 115,200 full-time much smaller airfields and landing strips around the
equivalent (FTE) workers. country, with reports of some 2000 across Australia.
6 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES
>> Airports are capital intensive businesses,
underpinned by their principal role as transport REGIONAL
infrastructure providers. As such, airports are deeply
linked into most economic activities, with these AIRPORTS PLAY A
linkages increasingly driven by growth in leisure
tourism and the regional expansion of strategic FUNDAMENTAL
resource and agricultural activities.
>> Airport infrastructure, whether terminal facilities or ROLE IN SERVING
runway works, are among the most expensive forms
of commercial and civil construction. BOTH THEIR LOCAL
>> Beyond their immediate economic footprint,
airports play an important social role in connecting
COMMUNITIES AND
individuals, families and communities with the rest
of the country and indeed the world.
THE AUSTRALIAN
>> Airports provide vital services to their communities,
including the facilitation of mail and time sensitive
ECONOMY MORE
freight deliveries, the Royal Flying Doctor Service,
CareFlight, bush taxis, and the transfer of workers to
BROADLY
employment centres and job sites.
>> Many airports provide training facilities and
precincts for high-tech jobs in aviation to ensure the >> There has been a declining trend in the number of
continued and sustainable development of a skilled regional airports with RPT services over the last two
workforce for the industry. decades. Since 2005, RPT services have ceased at 45
>> Airports recognise their impact on local regional airports (mainly on lower density routes),
communities and are increasingly participating while 25 airports have gained new RPT services. On
in positive activities such as: environmental the other hand, the overall number of passenger
sustainability initiatives; community engagement movements has increased over this period, from 8.5
programs; and the sponsorship of cultural, sporting million passengers to 22.5 million passengers.
and charity events, to ensure they are acting as >> Annual growth in passenger movements is expected
good corporate citizens within their communities. to average 3.3% for regional airports out to 2025.
>> There are significant differences in the business Aircraft movements are expected to grow by 1.7% at
orientation of regional and remote airports and that regional airports over this timeframe.
of much larger airport operations. In many isolated >> On average, regulatory imposts are higher for
parts of Australia, airports remain the only practical regional and remote airports, comprising around
means of access to emergency and essential services 12% of total expenses, compared with about 4% for
and therefore they tend to focus on principal major and major regional airports.
transport infrastructure performance.
>> Regional and remote airports generally have low While the 11 largest airports in Australia (all capital
profitability, with around half of survey respondents city airports, plus Gold Coast, Cairns and Alice Springs
reporting an operating loss in 2011. airports) account for about 87% of overall passenger
traffic and make the greatest economic contribution in
>> The majority of regional and remote airports (70%) terms of direct and indirect employment, the remaining
are served by a single airline. “regional” airports play a fundamental role in serving
both their local communities and the Australian
economy more broadly.
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 7
At the same time, key facts about our regional In large part the paper draws together data already
airports are little known or seldom acknowledged, available from a variety of other sources, but seldom
unjustifiable myths prevail and the challenges they available on a collected basis. In assembling this
face are seldom recognised. collection, the AAA acknowledges its reliance on a
number of important sources and, in particular:
The aim of this paper is to establish a significant data
source about Australia’s regional airports in the hope >> Deloitte Access Economics – Connecting Australia –
that their value will be better recognised within the The economic and social contribution of Australia’s
community, that those who directly or indirectly airports, June 2012;
regulate airports will be better able to appreciate >> Publications of the Bureau of Infrastructure,
and assess the likely impacts of the regulatory Transport and Regional Economics; and
requirements they administer or impose, and that >> The Report of the General Aviation Industry Action
those who ultimately own our regional airports will Agenda, 6 August 2008.
better understand the challenges faced by those who
operate their airports on their behalf. In preparation of the paper, the AAA has received
valuable input from the operators of many regional
airports and wishes to express its appreciation for the
time they have taken from their already busy working
lives to make that contribution.
8 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESTHE FACTS AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 9
AUSTRALIA’S AIRPORTS
There are, according to Airservices Australian airports are far from homogeneous and there
Australia, over 2000 airports and are many other ways in which they can conceivably
be categorised – for example, by location, ownership,
airfields in Australia. operation, use, size or other factors.
The vast majority of the 2000+ are small, private grass
They fall into four very broad categories: strips used predominantly by the owner of the land
on which they sit and not available for public use – or
>> Those generally known as the “privatised airports”
at least not used by regular public transport (RPT) or
– the major capital city and other significant
charter aircraft.
airports formerly operated by the Federal Airports
Corporation1 but since leased by the Commonwealth It is beyond the capacity of this paper to identify and
on a long-term basis to private sector companies describe each of Australia’s 2000+ airfields. Accordingly,
which operate them commercially under a purpose- this paper focuses only on those that, because of
designed regulatory regime embodied in the their role and importance within the civilian public
Airports Act 1996 (Cth); transport network, might be viewed as the most
>> State and (very predominantly) local government significant - although it is important to recognise that
owned regional airports – while these are generally even the smallest and most remote airfield may be
directly operated by their government owner, some vitally important to those whose lives, livelihood and
are contracted to be operated by private companies enjoyment depend upon it.
on behalf of the government owner and a small
number are let on long term leases to private There are some 317 Australian airports which are
companies that operate them commercially under certified (190) or registered (127) by the Civil Aviation
specific State airport regulation; Safety Authority (CASA) as having significant RPT
or charter use or potential use. While certification
>> Defence owned airports – while the primary
or registration is essential for the operation of RPT
purpose of Defence air bases is to support the
services at an airport, many airports that do not attract
generation, sustainment and deployment of
RPT services nevertheless choose to incur the effort
military capability to meet strategic tasking set by
and cost to become registered so that the aircraft
the Australian Government and some of these are
using them can have published what are known as
operated exclusively for military purposes, there
GPS approaches which are particularly important, for
are five joint use airports which permit civil aviation
example, to assist Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft
use under sub-leases to private sector airport
operating in low visibility situations.
operator companies - Darwin (NT), Curtin (Derby,
WA), Learmonth (Exmouth, WA), Williamtown
(Newcastle, NSW) and Townsville (Qld) – and where
Defence provides air traffic control, radar facilities
and aviation rescue and fire fighting services to both
military and civilian users; and
>> Completely privately owned airports and airstrips.
1 ACT - Canberra; NSW - Sydney, Bankstown, Camden; Qld - Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Archerfield, Mt. Isa; NT - Darwin, Alice
Springs, Tennant Creek; Vic - Melbourne, Essendon, Moorabbin; Tas - Hobart, Launceston; SA - Adelaide, Parafield; WA - Perth, Jandakot
10 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESThe following table lists those airports, and also >> Airports highlighted in pink are “privatised airports”
indicates which are members of the AAA – - former Federal Airport Corporation airports still
owned by the Commonwealth but leased to private
>> CASA certified airports are able to be used by RPT or operators in privatisation process undertaken in the
charter aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats; 1990s – importantly, these airports are subject to
>> CASA registered airports have been checked and detailed and complex regulation under the Airports
verified by a qualified person approved by CASA for Act 1996 that does not apply to other airports,
use at least once a week by RPT or charter aircraft whether operated by government or commercial
with more than 9 but not more than 30 passenger operators;
seats; >> Airports highlighted in green are owned by, or
>> Airports highlighted in blue are directly or indirectly principally operated to serve, resources companies
owned by government or community bodies for the and located to serve their mining or other extraction
benefit of the community they serve; operations;
>> Airports highlighted in orange are owned by aero
clubs; and
>> Airports highlighted in red are understood to be
essentially private sector commercial enterprises
offering services to the public at large.
Airport Name Airport Operator CASA CASA AAA
Certified Registered Member
Adelaide, SA Adelaide Airport Limited y y
Albany, WA City of Albany y y
Albury, NSW Albury City Council y y
Alice Springs, NT Alice Springs Airport Pty Ltd y y
Alpha, Qld Barcaldine Regional Council y y
Ararat, Vic Ararat Rural City Council Y
Archerfield, Qld Archerfield Airport Corporation y y
Argyle, WA Argyle Diamond Limited Y
Armidale, NSW Armidale Dumaresq Council y y
Aurukun, Qld Aurukun Shire Council y
Avalon, Vic Avalon Airport Australia Pty Ltd y y
Ayers Rock, NT ILC Tourism Pty Ltd y y
Bairnsdale, Vic East Gippsland Shire Council y y
Balgo Hill, WA Wirramanu Aboriginal Community y
Ballarat, Vic City of Ballarat y y
Ballera, Qld Santos Limited y
Ballina/Byron Gateway, NSW Ballina Shire Council y y
Balranald, NSW Balranald Shire Council y
Bankstown, NSW Bankstown Airport Limited y y
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 11Airport Name Airport Operator CASA CASA AAA
Certified Registered Member
Barcaldine, Qld Barcaldine Regional Council y y
Barimunya, WA Barimunya Joint Venture y
Barrow Island, WA Bristow Helicopters Australia Pty Ltd y
Bathurst, NSW Bathurst Regional Council y y
Bathurst Island, NT Tiwi Island Local Government y
Bedourie, Qld Diamantina Shire Council y
Bellevue, WA XSTRATA Nickel Australasia Operations Pty Ltd y
Benalla, Vic Benalla Rural City Council y y
Bendigo, Vic City of Greater Bendigo y y
Birchip, Vic Buloke Shire Council y
Birdsville, Qld Diamantina Shire Council y
Blackall, Qld Blackall-Tambo Regional Council y y
Blackwater, Qld BM Alliance Coal Operations y
Boolgeeda, WA Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd y
Boulia, Qld Boulia Shire Council y
Bourke, NSW Bourke Shire Council y y
Bowen, Qld Whitsunday Regional Council y y
Brewarrina, NSW Brewarrina Shire Council y
Brisbane, Qld Brisbane Airport Corporation y y
Brockman, WA Pilbara Iron (Company Services) Pty Ltd y
Broken Hill, NSW Council of the City of Broken Hill y
Bronzewing, WA Navigator (Bronzewing) Pty Ltd y
Broome, WA Broome International Airport Y y
Bunbury, WA Bunbury City y Y
Bundaberg, Qld Bundaberg Regional Council y y
Burketown, Qld Burke Shire Council y
Busselton, WA Busselton Shire Council y y
Cairns, Qld Cairns Airport Pty Ltd y y
Camden, NSW Camden Airport Ltd y
Camooweal, Qld Mount Isa City Council y
Canberra, ACT Canberra Airport Pty Limited y y
Carnarvon, WA Shire of Carnarvon y y
Ceduna, SA District Council of Ceduna y y
Century Mine, Qld MMG Century Mine Limited y
12 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESAirport Name Airport Operator CASA CASA AAA
Certified Registered Member
Charleville, Qld Murweh Shire Council y y
Charters Towers, Qld Charters Towers City Council y
Chillagoe, Qld Tablelands Regional Council y y
Chinchilla, Qld Western Downs Regional Council y y
Christmas Creek, WA FMG Chichester Pty Ltd Y
Christmas Island, WA Holyman Shipping Services Pty Limited y y
Clermont, Qld Isaac Regional Council y
Cleve, SA District Council of Cleve y y
Cloncurry, Qld Cloncurry Shire Council y
Cobar, NSW Cobar Shire Council y y
Cocos (Keeling) Island ITNL Holyman Shipping Services Pty Limited y y
Coen, Qld Cook Shire Council y y
Coffs Harbour, NSW Coffs Harbour City Council y y
Condobolin, NSW Lachlan Shire Council y
Coober Pedy, SA District Council of Coober Pedy y y
Cooktown, Qld Cook Shire Council y y
Coolah, NSW Coolah Shire Council y y
Cooma-Snowy Mountains, NSW Snowy Mountains Airport Corporation Y
Coonabarabran, NSW Warrumbungle Shire Council y y
Coonamble, NSW Coonamble Shire Council y
Coondewanna, WA BHP Billiton Iron Ore y
Cootamundra, NSW Cootamundra Shire Council y y
Corowa, NSW Corowa Shire Council y y
Corryong, NSW Towong Shire Council y
Cowell, SA District Council of Franklin Harbour y y
Cowra, NSW Cowra Shire Council y y
Croker Island, NT Minjilang Community Inc y
Cunderin, WA Cunderin Shire Council y
Cunnamulla, Qld Paroo Shire Council y
Darlot, WA Barrick (Darlot) Ltd y
Darwin, NT Darwin International Airport Pty Ltd y y
Degrussa, WA Sandfire Resources NL y
Deniliquin, NSW Deniliquin Council y y
Derby, WA Shire of Derby West Kimberley y y
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 13Airport Name Airport Operator CASA CASA AAA
Certified Registered Member
Devonport, Tas Tasmanian Ports Corporation Pty Ltd y
Dirranbandi, Qld Balonne Shire Council y
Donald, Vic Buloke Shire Council y
Doomadgee, Qld Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council Y
Dubbo, NSW Dubbo City Council Y y
Dysart, Qld BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance Y
East Jaurdi, WA Polaris Metals Pty Ltd y
Echuca, Vic Shire of Campaspe y y
Elcho Island, NT Marthakal Yolngu Airline Pty Ltd y
Elrose, Qld FMR Investments Pty Limited (Eloise Copper Mine) y
Emerald, Qld Central Highlands Regional Council y y
Esperance, WA Esperance Shire Council y y
Essendon, Vic Essendon Airport Pty Ltd y y
Fitzroy Crossing, WA Shire of Derby West Kimberley y y
Flinders Island, Tas Flinders Council y y
Forbes, NSW Forbes Shire Council y
Forrest, WA Fayburn Pty Ltd y y
Forrestania, WA Western Area NL y
Fortescue Dave Forrest, WA FMG Chichester Pty Ltd y
Garden Point, NT Tiwi Island Local Government y
Gayndah, Qld North Burnett Regional Council y y
Georgetown, Qld Etheridge Shire Council y
Geraldton, WA City of Greater Geraldton y y
Gladstone, Qld Gladstone Regional Council y y
Glen Innes, NSW Glen Innes Severn Council y y
Gold Coast, Qld Gold Coast Airport Pty Limited y y
Golden Grove, SA Oxiana Golden Grove Pty Ltd y
Goodooga, NSW Brewarrina Shire Council y
Goondiwindi, QLD Goondiwindi Regional Council y
Goulburn, NSW Goulburn City Council y
Gove, NT Nhulunbuy Corporation y y
Grafton, NSW Clarence Valley Council y y
Granny Smith, WA Barrick(Granny Smith) Pty Ltd y
Griffith, NSW Griffith City Council y y
14 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESAirport Name Airport Operator CASA CASA AAA
Certified Registered Member
Groote Eylandt, NT Groote Eylandt Mining Company Pty Ltd y
Gunnedah, NSW Gunnedah Shire Council y y
Halls Creek, WA Aerodrome Management Services Pty Ltd y y
Hamilton, Vic Southern Grampians Shire Council y y
Hamilton Island, Qld Great Barrier Reef Airport Pty Ltd y y
Hay, NSW Hay Shire Council y
Hervey Bay, Qld Fraser Coast Regional Council y y
Hobart, Tas Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd y y
Horn Island, Qld Torres Shire Council y y
Hooker Creek, NT Lajamanu Community Council Inc y
Hopetoun, Vic Yarriambiack Shire Council y y
Horsham, Vic Horsham City Council y y
Hughenden, Qld Flinders Shire Council y
Innisfail, Qld Johnstone Shire Council y
Inverell, NSW Inverell Shire Council y y
Jabiru, NT Energy Resources of Australia y
Jacinth Ambrosia, SA Iluka (Eucla Basin) Pty Ltd y
Jandakot, WA Jandakot Airport Holdings Pty Ltd Y y
Julia Creek, Qld McKinlay Shire Council y
Kalbarri, WA Shire of Northampton y
Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder y y
Kalkgurung, NT Dagurau Community Council Inc y
Kalumburu, WA Kalumburu Mission y
Kambalda, WA St Ives Mining Company Pty Ltd y
Karara, Qld Karara Mining Limited y
Karratha, WA Shire of Roebourne y y
Karumba, Qld Carpentaria Shire Council y
Katanning, WA Shire of Katanning y
Kempsey, NSW Kempsey Shire Council y y
Kerang, Vic Gannawarra Shire Council y y
Kimba, SA Kimba District Council y y
King Island, Tas King Island Council y y
Kingaroy, Qld South Burnett Regional Council y y
Kingscote, SA Kangaroo Island Council y y
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 15Airport Name Airport Operator CASA CASA AAA
Certified Registered Member
Kowanyama, Qld Kowanyama Community Council y y
Kununurra, WA Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley y y
Lake Cargelligo, NSW Lachlan Shire Council y y
Lake Evella, NT Gapuwiyak Community Inc y
Latrobe Valley, Vic Latrobe City Council y y
Launceston, Tas Australian Pacific Airports (Launceston) Pty Ltd y y
Laverton, Vic Laverton Shire Council y y
Lawlers, WA Barrick (Lawlers) NL y
Leigh Creek, SA Flinders Operating Services Pty Ltd y
Leinster, WA BHP Billiton Nickel West Pty Ltd y
Leongatha, Vic Leongatha Aerodrome Users Pty Ltd y
Leonora, WA Shire of Leonora y y
Lightning Ridge, NSW Walgett Shire Council y y
Lismore, NSW Lismore City Council y y
Lockhart River, Qld Lockhart River Aerodrome Company Pty Ltd y
Longreach, Qld Longreach Airport Pty Ltd y y
Lord Howe Island, NSW Lord Howe Island Board y y
Loxton, SA District Council of Loxton Waikerie y
Mackay, Qld Mackay Airport Pty Ltd y y
Maitland, NSW Royal Newcastle Aero Club y
Mallacoota, Vic East Gippsland Shire Council y y
Mangalore, Vic Mangalore Airport Pty Ltd y y
Maningrida, NT Maningrida Council Inc y
Manjimup, WA Shire of Manjimup y
Mareeba, Qld Tablelands Regional Council y y
Maryborough, Qld Fraser Coast Regional Council y y
Maryborough, Vic Central Goldfield Shire Council y y
McArthur River Mine, NT McArthur River Mining Pty Ltd y
Meekatharra, WA Shire of Meekatharra y y
Melbourne, Vic Australian Pacific Airports (Melbourne) Pty Ltd y y
Merimbula, Vic Airport Agencies Pty Ltd y y
Middlemount, Qld Anglo Coal (Capcoal Management) Pty Ltd y
Mildura, Vic Mildura Rural City Council y y
Milingimbi, NT Milingimbi Community Council Inc y
16 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESAirport Name Airport Operator CASA CASA AAA
Certified Registered Member
Moomba, SA Santos Limited y
Moorabbin, Vic Moorabbin Airport Corporation Pty Ltd y y
Moranbah, Qld BM Alliance Coal Operations y
Morawa, WA Shire of Morawa y
Moree, NSW Moree Plains Shire Council y y
Mornington Island, Qld Mornington Shire Council y
Moruya, NSW Eurobodalla Shire Council y y
Mount Gambier, SA District Council of Grant y y
Mount Gordon, Qld Birla Mt Gordon Pty Ltd y
Mount Hotham, Vic MHSC Transportation Services Pty Ltd y y
Mount Isa, Qld Mount Isa Airport Pty Ltd y y
Mount Keith, WA BHP Billiton Nickel West Pty Ltd y y
Mount Magnet, WA Mount Magnet Shire Council y y
Mudgee, NSW Mudgee Shire Council y y
Murray Field, WA Royal Aero Club Of Western Australia y
Murrin Murrin, WA Minara Resources Limited y
Naracoorte, SA Naracoorte Lucindale Council y y
Narrabri, NSW Narrabri Shire Council y y
Narrandera, NSW Narrandera Shire Council y y
Narromine, NSW Narromine Shire Council y y
Newman, WA Shire of East Pilbara y y
Ngukurr, NT Yugul Mangi Community Government Council y
Nifty, WA Birla Nifty Pty Ltd y
Norfolk Island, NSW Administration of Norfolk Island y
Normanton, Qld Shire of Carpentaria y y
Northern Peninsula, Qld Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council y
Nyngan, NSW Bogan Shire Council y
Oenpelli, NT Kunbarlianjnja Community Government y
Olympic Dam, SA WMC (Olympic Dam Corporation) Pty Ltd y y
Onslow, WA Shire of Ashburton y y
Oodnadatta, SA Outback Communities Authority y
Orange, NSW Orange City Council y y
Orbost, Vic East Gippsland Shire Council y y
Osborne Mine, Qld Ivanhoe (Osborne) Pty Ltd y
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 17Airport Name Airport Operator CASA CASA AAA
Certified Registered Member
Palm Island, Qld Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council y y
Paraburdoo, WA Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd y y
Parafield, SA Parafield Airport Limited y y
Parkes, NSW Parkes Shire Council y y
Perth INTL, WA Perth Airport Pty Ltd y y
Plutonic, WA Barrick (Plutonic) Limited y
Pooncarie, NSW Wentworth Shire Council y
Pormpuraaw, Qld Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council y
Port Augusta, SA Corporation of the City of Port Augusta y y
Portland, Vic Glenelg Shire Council y y
Port Hedland, WA Town of Port Hedland y y
Port Keats, NT Thamarrurr Regional Council y
Port Lincoln, SA District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula y y
Port Macquarie, NSW Port Macquarie-Hastings Council y y
Port Pirie, SA Port Pirie Regional Council y y
Prominent Hill, SA Oxiana Prominent Hill Operations Pty Ltd y y
Proserpine/Whitsunday Coast, Qld Whitsunday Regional Council y
Quilpie, Qld Quilpie Shire Council y
Quirindi, NSW Liverpool Plains Shire Council y y
Ramingining, NT Ramingining Community Council Inc y
Ravensthorpe, WA Shire of Ravensthorpe y
Renmark, SA District Council of Renmark Paringa y
Richmond, NSW Richmond Shire Council y
Robinvale, Vic Swan Hill Rural Shire Council y y
Rockhampton, Qld Rockhampton Shire Council y y
Roma, Qld Maranoa Regional Council y
Rottnest Island, WA Rottnest Island Authority y
Saibai Island, Torres Strait Saibai Island Community Council y
Saint Arnaud, Vic Northern Grampians Shire Council y y
Saint George, Qld Balonne Shire Council y
Saint Helens, Tas Break O’Day Council y
Scone, NSW Upper Hunter Shire Council y y
Sea Lake, Vic Buloke Shire Council y
Shark Bay, WA Aspen Monkey Mia Pty Ltd y
18 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESAirport Name Airport Operator CASA CASA AAA
Certified Registered Member
Shay Gap, WA BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd y
Shepparton, Vic Shepparton City Council y y
Smithton, Tas Department of Infrastructure Energy and y
Resources
Snake Bay, NT Tiwi Island Local Government y
Solomon, WA Fortescue Metals Group Ltd y
Southern Cross, WA Shire of Yilgarn y
South Goulburn Island, NT Warruwi Community Inc y
Southport, Qld Southport Flying Club y
Stanthorpe, Qld Stanthorpe Downs Regional Council y
Stawell, Vic Northern Grampians Shire Council y y
Strahan, Tas West Coast Council y y
Streaky Bay, SA District Council of Streaky Bay y y
Sunshine Coast, Qld Sunshine Coast Regional Council y y
Sunrise Dam, WA Anglogold Ashanti Australia Ltd y
Swan Hill, Vic Swan Hill Rural City Council y y
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) INTL, NSW Sydney Airport Corporation y y
Tamworth, NSW Tamworth Regional Council Y y
Taree, NSW Greater Taree City Council y y
Taroom, Qld Banana Shire Council y y
Telfer, WA Newcrest Mining Limited y y
Temora, NSW Temora Shire Council y y
Tennant Creek, NT Tennant Creek Airport Pty Ltd y y
Thangool, Qld Banana Shire Council y y
Thargomindah, Qld Bulloo Shire Council y y
The Granites, NT Newmont Tanami Pty Ltd y
The Monument, Qld Southern Cross Fertilisers Pty Ltd y
Tibooburra, NSW NSW Department if Infrastructure, y
Planning and Natural Resources
Tocumwal, NSW Berrigan Shire Council y
Toowoomba, Qld Toowoomba Regional Council y y
Townsville, Qld Townsville Airport Pty Ltd Y y
Trepell, Qld BHP Billiton Minerals Pty Ltd y
Troughton Island, WA ShoreAir Pty Ltd y
Truscott-Mungalalu, WA ShoreAir Pty Ltd y
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 19Airport Name Airport Operator CASA CASA AAA
Certified Registered Member
Tumby Bay, SA District Council of Tumby Bay y
Tumut, NSW Tumut Shire Council y y
Wagga Wagga, NSW Wagga Wagga City Council y y
Waikerie, SA District Council of Loxton Waikerie y
Walgett, NSW Walgett Shire Council y
Wangaratta, Vic Rural City of Wangaratta y
Warburton, WA Warburton Community y
Warracknabeal, Vic Yarriambiack Shire Council y y
Warren, NSW Warren Shire Council y y
Warrnambool, Vic Warrnambool Shire Council y y
Warwick, Qld Southern Downs Regional Council y
Weipa, Qld RTA Weipa Pty Ltd y y
Wentworth, NSW Wentworth Shire Council y
West Angelas, WA Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd y
West Sale, Vic Wellington Shire Council y y
West Wyalong, NSW Bland Shire Council y y
Wilkins Australian Antarctic Division y
Whyalla, SA Corporation of the City of Whyalla y y
Wiluna, WA Wiluna Shire Council y
Windarling, WA Portman Iron Ore Limited y
Windorah, Qld Barcoo Shire Council y y
Winton, Qld Winton Shire Council y
Wollongong, NSW Shellharbour City Council y
Woodie Woodie, WA Pilbara Manganese Pty Ltd y
Wudinna, SA District Council of Le Hunte y
Wycheproof, Vic Buloke Shire Council y
Wynyard, Tas Burnie Airport Corporation Pty Ltd y y
Yarram, Vic Wellington Shire Council y y
Yarrawonga, Vic Moira Shire Council y
Yorke Island, Torres Strait Yorke Island Community Council y
Young, NSW Young Shire Council y
20 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESIn addition to the above certified and registered These other airports are listed in the following table,
airports, AAA members operate a number of other where again:
airports that are not required to be either CASA >> Airports highlighted in blue are directly or indirectly
certified or CASA registered - whether because of their owned by government or community bodies for the
Defence ownership or because the scope of operations benefit of the community they serve;
is below the threshold requiring certification or
registration. >> Airports highlighted in orange are owned by aero
clubs; and
>> Airports highlighted in red are understood to be
essentially private sector commercial enterprises
offering services to the public at large.
Airport Airport Operator AAA
Member
Apollo Bay (Marengo), Vic Colac-Otway Shire Council y
Ashford, NSW Inverell Shire Council y
Augathella, Qld Murweh Shire Council y
Bacchus Marsh*, Vic Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Management Inc y
Baradine, NSW Warrumbungle Shire Council Y
Barcoo, Qld Barcoo Shire Council Y
Barraba, NSW Tamworth Regional Council Y
Biggenden, Qld North Burnett Regional Council Y
Boggabri, NSW Narrabri Shire Council Y
Booleroo Centre Community Airstrip, SA District Council of Mount Remarkable Y
Boomi, NSW Moree Plains Shire Council Y
Burren Junction, NSW Walgett Shire Council Y
Byrock, NSW Bourke Shire Council Y
Cambridge, Tas Cambridge Airport Y
Cessnock, NSW Aviation and Leisure Corporation Pty Ltd Y
Coffin Bay, SA District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula Y
Cohuna, Vic Gannawarra Shire Council Y
Colac, Vic Colac-Otway Shire Council Y
Collinsville, NSW Bourke Shire Council Y
Collinsville, Qld Whitsunday Coast Airport Y
Cummins, SA District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula Y
Curtin, WA Derby West Kimberley Shire Council Y
Dalby, Qld Western Downs Regional Council Y
Delungra, NSW Inverell Shire Council Y
Dimbulah, Qld Tablelands Regional Council Y
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 21Airport Airport Operator AAA
Member
Dulacca, Qld Western Downs Regional Council Y
Eidsvold, Qld North Burnett Regional Council Y
Elliston, SA Elliston District Council Y
Emu Park, Qld Rockhampton Regional Council Y
Engonnia, NSW Bourke Shire Council Y
Exmouth (Learmonth), WA Shire of Exmouth Y
Eubalong, NSW Cobar Shire Council Y
Fords Bridge, NSW Bourke Shire Council Y
Goolgowi, NSW Carrathool Shire Council Y
Hawker, WA Emerald Oak Pty Ltd – Forte Airport Management Y
Hillston, NSW Carrathool Shire Council Y
Hungerford, Qld Bulloo Shire Council Y
Jundah, Qld Barcoo Shire Council Y
Karumba, Qld Carpentaria Shire Council Y
Kingston SE, SA Kingston District Council Y
Lake Cullulleraine, Vic Mildura Airport Pty Ltd Y
Lakeland, Qld Cook Shire Council Y
Laura, Qld Cook Shire Council Y
Lethbridge Airpark, Vic G&P Baum Superannuation Fund Y
Lock, SA Elliston District Council Y
Lucindale, SA Narracoorte Lucindale Shire Council Y
Miles, Qld Western Downs Regional Council Y
Millmerran, Qld Toowoomba Regional Council Y
Monto, Qld North Burnett Regional Council Y
Morven, Qld Murweh Shire Council Y
Moura, Qld Banana Shire Council Y
Mount Garnet, Qld Tablelands Regional Council Y
Mt Hope, NSW Cobar Shire Council Y
Mungindi, NSW Moree Plains Shire Council Y
Nanango, Qld South Burnett Regional Council Y
Newcastle, NSW Newcastle Airport Limited Y
Nhill, Vic Hindmarsh Shire Council Y
Nullagine, WA East Pilbara Shire Council Y
Nymagee, NSW Cobar Shire Council Y
Ouyen, Vic Mildura Airport Pty Ltd Y
Parkside, Vic Wellington Shire Council Y
Patchewollock, Vic Yarriambiack Shire Council Y
22 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESAirport Airport Operator AAA
Member
Peak Hill, NSW Parkes Shire Council Y
Pinnaroo, SA South Mallee District Council Y
Pittsworth, Qld Toowoomba Regional Council Y
Point Cook, Qld Rehbein Airport Consulting Y
Quorn, SA Flinders Ranges Council Y
Roebourne, WA Shire of Roebourne Council Y
Rollerston, Qld Central Highlands Regional Council Y
Springsure, Qld Central Highlands Regional Council Y
Stonehenge, Qld Barcoo Shire Council Y
Tambo, Qld Blackall-Tambo Regional Council y
Tara, Qld Western Downs Regional Council y
Theodore, Qld Banana Shire Council y
Tottenham, NSW Lachlan Shire Council Y
Trangie, NSW Narromine Shire Council Y
Trundle, NSW Parkes Shire Council Y
Tullamore, NSW Parkes Shire Council Y
Wee Waa, NSW Narrabri Shire Council Y
Whim Creek, WA Shire of Roebourne Council Y
* Bacchus Marsh Airfield is owned by the Shire of Moorabool, but is operated by the Bacchus Marsh Airfield Management (BMAM). BMAM comprises
representatives of the shire, the three resident gliding clubs (the Geelong Gliding Club, Victorian Motorless Flight Group and he Beaufort Gliding
Club[4]), and the Tarago Valley School of Aviation (a power flying school).
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 23A very large number of Australia’s airports were The ALOP airports are as follows:
originally established by the Commonwealth
Government, generally for military use. In addition New South Wales
to the major “privatised” airports highlighted above
in pink that are still owned by the Commonwealth Albury Gilgandra Nyngan
although leased to and operated by private sector Armidale Glen Innes Orange
companies, some hundreds of Australia’s regional,
Ballina Goodooga Parkes
rural and remote airports were originally established
by the Commonwealth for its armed forces. When Balranald Goulburn Pooncarie
no longer required for those purposes, these airports Baradine Grafton Port Macquarie
were gradually transferred to the ownership of the Bathurst Griffith Quirindi
relevant local government authority under Aerodrome
Bourke Gunnedah Scone
Local Ownership Plans (ALOP) or sold to private
interests. This is far more than a matter of historical Brewarrina Hay Schofields
interest, because the ALOP agreements under which Broken Hill Hillston Tamworth
these transfers took place impose obligations on the Burren Junction Inverell Taree
recipient local government to maintain and operate Carinda Ivanhoe Temora
the airport as an airport.
Casino Kempsey Tibooburra
Cessnock Lake Cargelligo Tocumwal
Cobar Lightning Ridge Tooraweenah
Coffs Harbour Lismore Tottenham
Collarenebri Lord Howe Island Tumut
Condobolin Merimbula Wagga Wagga
Coolah Moree Walgett
Cooma Moruya Warren
Coonabarabran Mudgee Wee Waa
Coonamble Mungindi West Wyalong
Cootamundra Narrabri White Cliffs
Cowra Narrandera Wilcannia
Deniliquin Narromine Wollongong
Dubbo Newcastle Young
Evans Head Norfolk Island
Northern Territory
Borroola Groote Eylandt Tindal
Gove Jabiru Yulara
24 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESQueensland Tasmania
Alpha Doomadgee Monto Burnie/Wynyard King Island St Helens
Aramac Dysart Moranbah Devonport Queenstown Strahan
Atherton Emerald Mornington Flinders Island Smithton
Aurukun Eromanga Island
Ayr Eulo Mt Coolon Victoria
Bamaga/Injoo Gayndah Mt Garnet
Muttaburra Ararat Horsham Sea Lake
Barcaldine Georgetown
Normanton Bacchus Marsh Kerang Shepparton
Bedourie Goondiwindi
Oakey Bairnsdale Latrobe Valley St Arnaud
Birdsville Gregory Downs
Pormpuraaw Ballarat Leinster Stawell
Blackall Gympie
Quilpie Benalla Leongatha Swan Hill
Blackwater Harvey Bay
Redcliffe Bendigo Mallacoota Wangaratta
Bollon Hughenden
Richmond Birchip Maryborough Warracknabeal
Boulia Ingham
Rockhampton Corryong Mildura Warrnambool
Bowen Injune
Roma Donald Nhill West sale
Bundaberg Innisfail
St George Echuca Orbost Wycheproof
Burketown Isisford
Stanthorpe Hamilton Portland Yarram
Caloundra Julia Creek
Stonehenge Hopetoun Robinvale
Charleville Jundah
Charters Towers Karumba Tara
Chillagoe Kingaroy Taroom Western Australia
Chinchilla Kowanyama Thargomindah Albany Geraldton Newman
Clermont Lockhart River Theodore Balgo Hill Halls Creek Norseman
Cloncurry Longreach Thursday Island Broome Kalbarri Nullagine
Coen Magnetic Island Toowoomba International Kununurra Onslow
Collinsville Mareeba Weipa Bunbury Laverton Paraburdoo
Cooktown Maroochydore Windorah Carnarvon Learmonth Port Hedland
Croydon Maryborough Winton Cue Leonora Rottnest Island
Cunnamulla Middlemount Wondai Cunderdin Marble Bar Southern Cross
Dajarra Miles Wyandra Curtin Meekatharra Wiluna
Dalby Mitchell Derby Mt Magnet Wittenoom
Dirranbandi Monto Esperance Mullewa Wyndam
Fitzroy Crossing
South Australia
Ceduna Leigh Creek Port Augusta
Cleve Loxton Port Pirie
Coober Pedy Maria Renmark
Cowell Marree Streaky Bay
Gawler Millicent Waikerie
Kimba Minnipa Whyalla
Kingscote Naracoorte Wudinna
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 25The agreements under which those airports were So, what’s it all mean?
transferred to local government ownership include
clauses which require, for example, that the local As will be readily apparent from the highlighting in the
government body: tables above, Australia’s airports are fundamentally
“(a) shall operate and maintain the aerodrome, open a community asset:
to the public, in compliance with Civil Aviation >> Our biggest airports, while leased to and operated
Regulations … by the private sector, remain owned by the
(b) shall be solely responsible for developing, Commonwealth Government;
operating and maintaining the aerodrome >> The overwhelming majority of all other Australian
including visual aids and associated equipment airports are owned and operated by the local
to [CASA] standards ... government authority for the community they serve;
(c) shall permit open, unrestricted and non- >> Of those airports that are not government
discriminatory access to the aerodrome by owned, the majority are owned by, and operated
airline and aircraft operators on reasonable predominantly for the purposes of, resource
terms and conditions, consistent with the extraction corporations; and
physical limitations of the aerodrome >> While some airports owned by a local government
… authority may be operated by the private sector on
(e) shall be responsible for the safety of the the authority’s behalf, only a handful of Australia’s
aerodrome … regional airports are both owned and operated by
the private sector for general public use.
(f) shall be responsible for the security of the
aerodrome … Because they are a community resource, it is not only
(g) shall take such action as is within its power to important that the community recognise the value this
prevent the restriction of aircraft operations provides but also that all levels of government and all
to and from the aerodrome by objects, such government regulators take care that their custody and
as buildings, other structures, trees or other regulation of airports do not jeopardise the value that
natural objects … they provide to the communities they serve.
(h) shall take such action as is within its power to: It is also apparent from the above tables that a
(I) create land-use zoning around the resounding majority of the listed airports are members
aerodrome which will prevent residential of the AAA:
and other incompatible development in >> the Association’s airport members own and/or
areas which are, or may be, adversely operate 249 of Australia’s most important airports;
affected by aircraft noise; >> AAA members operate 113 of the 190 certified
(ii) prevent the introduction of activities likely airports and, of the remaining 77, 44 are operate by
to create a hazard to aircraft …”. resource companies and are essentially not part of
the public transport network while the balance are
Importantly, the agreements as they currently apply understood to carry very low traffic volumes; and
allow the local government body to sell, lease or >> registered airports whose operators are not AAA
otherwise dispose of the airport only with the consent members are also understood to carry very low
of the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure traffic volumes.
and Transport where the alternative use of the airport
would result in the closure of the airport or result in it The breadth of the AAA’s membership within the
no longer continuing to operate as an airport. Australian airport industry means that it is an invaluable
resource for all Governments and government agencies
These clauses are essentially the same as those in the with a need to consult within the industry to ensure
Airports Act leases for the “privatised airports”, and that their policy and operation decisions are well
place heavy and ongoing obligations on affected local informed and do not have unintended or unexpected
government bodies. adverse consequences.
26 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESREGIONAL AIRPORTS
A QUESTION OF DEFINITION
A threshold question for any review Different industries adopt different definitions
of this and related terms – for example, in
of regional airports is – what airports telecommunications, “regional” is generally used
are “regional”? in contradistinction to “rural” and “remote”.
And the Australian Standard Geographical
Classification Remoteness Structure from the
Australian Bureau of Statistics recognises “major
cities”, “inner regional Australia”, “outer regional
Australia”, “remote Australia” and “very remote
Australia”, with the “major cities” category
accounting for 23 airports as diverse as Brisbane
and Rose Bay.
In this paper the term “regional” is used to cover
essentially all Australian airports other than the
principal airports of the State and Territory capitals.
That is, Archerfield, Bankstown and Parafield for
example can in many respects be as “regional” as
Aurukun, Birdsville and Port Lincoln. At times, the
paper also refers to “rural” and “remote” airports
to indicate sub-categories of the broader genus
of “regional” airports.
AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGES 27AVIATION ACTIVITY AT AUSTRALIA’S
REGIONAL AIRPORTS.
For most Australians, their contact with an Australian >> Charter flights by large long-distance aircraft bring
airport is associated with work or leisure travel on a significant numbers of overseas visitors to Australia’s
scheduled RPT flight between one of the major capital major leisure destinations, adding to the growth
city airports and either an overseas destination, another of a tourism industry already supported through
capital city airport or, perhaps, a major Australian domestic and international RPT flights.
tourist destination such as the Gold Coast. >> Charter and private flights on smaller aircraft allow
But while such travel is statistically predominant, the business and leisure travel of Australians to and
there are numerous other forms of aviation activity at from smaller airports where it is not economical for
Australian airports that are of vital importance to the commercial airlines to operate RPT services.
Australian community and economy. >> Air services keep Australians in touch with one
another and the world, because they are frequently
It is common for aviation observers to categorise used to deliver the mail and our daily newspapers.
aviation activity along such lines as “RPT”, “charter”,
>> While they may no longer be defence bases, very
“GA” and “sport/recreation”. While these terms are
many regional airports support Australia’s defence
commonly used, they are not always helpful. The term
force activity – in the 12 month period June 2011
“GA”, in particular, fails to convey the great breadth of
to May 2012 there were at least 7000 arrivals or
activity and community service that Australia’s aviation
departures by Australian Defence Force aircraft at at
industry delivers.
least 103 civilian Australian airports.
The following indicates how diverse aviation activities >> Particularly in regional Australia, airports play an
at regional airports can be: essential role in saving lives by facilitating medical
>> RPT, charter and private flights from Australia’s evacuations, collection and delivery of organ donations
regional, rural and remote airports allow those who and search and rescue.
work and live outside the major cities to access –– For example the Royal Flying Doctor Service
the specialist health, education, commercial and (RFDS) is a non-for-profit organisation which
recreational facilities that are not economically offers health care to those people who are
available where they normally reside, allow travel by unable to access a hospital or basic general
health professionals to the regional community, and practices due to their extreme geographic
enable regional residents to maintain and enjoy the isolation. Currently, the RFDS has over 60
pleasure of their relationships with distant families aircraft, operating out of 23 bases in all States
and friends. and the Northern Territory. The RFDS predicates
>> RPT and charter flights allow the more efficient its operations on the availability of airport
development of Australia’s natural resources, weekly or airstrip networks in outback locations
bringing many thousands of “fly-in, fly-out” (FIFO) throughout Australia. In 2011, the RFDS
workers to distant mines and development sites from undertook nearly 76,000 flights, taking over
both capital cities and other regional centres. In 2011, 80,000 hours and spanning a distance of close
approximately half of the 90,000 people employed in to 27 million kilometres. These services have
the Western Australian mining industry participated become of even higher importance in light of
in FIFO arrangements, where they live in a city the growing number of mining workers residing
and fly in to a remote workplace during their work in rural parts of Queensland and Western
roster. It is not only the airports owned and operated Australia.
by resources companies that facilitate Australia’s >> Law enforcement bodies, such as the Western
participation in the world trade in minerals, but also Australia Police Air Support, and border protection
general purpose airports such as those at Karratha in agencies operate out of Australia’s regional airports,
Western Australia and Emerald in Queensland. particularly in Northern and Western Australia.
>> Regional air services support the attraction of staff >> Australia’s regional airports also play a vital role in
to, and their retention in, regional and remote protecting Australia’s physical assets – enabling fire-
communities by minimising the isolation that can be fighting in areas where road transport is impossible
involved in working away from family and friends. or would be too late.
28 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIRPORTS FACTS, MYTHS & CHALLENGESYou can also read
