Master Plan 2005

Approved 14 February 2005

Download the 2005 Master Plan here Download the 2006 Minor Variation to the 2005 Master Plan here

We have achieved a great deal since our first Master Plan was approved just five years ago. We have all but transformed Canberra International Airport from an aviation backwater into a true national gateway. And we have done it in line with community expectations for better aviation services and in strict accordance with the terms under which we purchased the Airport from the Commonwealth in May 1998. Under those terms we also purchased a wide range of development rights and no restriction on land uses (other than compliance with the Airports Act), which was reflected in the 1999 Master Plan. These rights were designed in part to protect the Airport from the downturns of the aviation sector. It was these rights that enabled us to develop the Brindabella Business Park, and without the income stream that came from this diversified Airport investment, we would have been hard pressed to survive the collapse of Ansett, not to mention the tragic events of September 11, SARS and the ongoing war against terrorism.

All these events took their toll on the aviation business. Nevertheless, we are pleased to report that we have already met many of the objectives of our 1999 Master Plan and, in doing so, have won the recognition of industry peers by being named Australian Major Airport of the Year for 2002. Canberra International Airport is a local family business and our future development is linked closely to the economic growth and prosperity of our community. This partnership with community has driven us to deliver meaningful and significant benefits in three important areas - job creation, cheaper airfares and amelioration of the adverse impact of aircraft noise.

Our massive rebuilding of the Airport's infrastructure, together with the simultaneous construction of the Brindabella Business Park, has attracted new industries and new jobs to Canberraand the region. Since 1998 the number of airport businesses has grown from 70 to 115 and the number of jobs has almost doubled from 1,660 to 3,100. This is in addition to both the ongoing employment of 450 construction workers and the engagement of over 950 businesses in the ongoing operation of the Airport. The impact of our major investment, around $220 million so far, is helping to drive economic growth.

By way of financial incentives, and through our ongoing program of infrastructure improvements, we actively encourage the introduction of low cost airlines and the servicing of new destinations such as Perth and Newcastle. Following the collapse of Ansett we established a common user terminal, enabling Virgin Blue and Regional Express to share facilities, reduce costs and deliver cheaper airfares to a new generation of travellers. Qantas is matching its rivals with cheaper airfares and more frequent flights to and from Canberra. We now see one-way airfares as low as $59 to Melbourne and similarly low fares to other state capitals. With direct services to five of Australia's mainland capital cities, we are working closely with the airlines to position Canberra as a true international destination with links to New Zealand, the South Pacific and Asia.

Aircraft noise is an issue for all in our community. Our commitment to do everything that we can to minimise the impact of aircraft noise on the community is absolute. Short-sighted and opportunistic plans by developers to build homes under flight paths will lead only to long term problems for future residents. We steadfastly oppose such plans because they risk the introduction of noise sharing over Canberra and Queanbeyan, and they jeopardise future Airport operations. We discuss our assessment of the aircraft noise impacts and detail plans to ameliorate and prevent the environmental impact of aircraft noise through the adoption of the High Noise Corridor as the land use planning tool for further residential development for Canberra Airport. Because of sensible planning, just over 99.5% of our community is free from the adverse affects of aircraft noise. Let us work together to maintain one of the best noise abatement systems in Australia.

We are immensely proud of what has been achieved at Canberra International Airport. We have developed a state of the art hangar and reception centre for the Commonwealth's fleet of VIP aircraft. At Brindabella Business Park, we are building a cluster of striking world-class buildings that are setting new standards in design and environmental sustainability. Diversified investments of this kind are essential if we are to maintain and upgrade the Airport and build a new terminal that meets the national and international aviation requirements of the 21st century. We have a robust confidence in the future of our region that is undeniably bright. We are here for the long haul to create new jobs, new industries and new opportunities.

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Master Plan Executive Summary

Our vision is to develop Canberra International Airport as a first-class facility to serve the region's evolving transportation needs and to maximise the Airport's contribution to the region's economy, through:

• providing airport facilities, customer services and amenities appropriate to the character of Australia's capital;
• developing the Airport as a major capital city and regional hub to facilitate Canberra's transport links with major cities and the region, to enhance Canberra's attractiveness for business and tourism;
• establishing a base for a regional airline and a significant aircraft maintenance centre;
• integrating high-speed rail and airport terminal facilities to maximise the benefits of aircraft, Very High Speed Train (VHST), bus and coach services; and
• creating economic impetus for the development of a freight hub, light industrial technology parks and, subject to legislation, specialist tax free trade zones.

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Economic significance
In the five years since the Airport's Master Plan was approved in August 1999, we have spent $220 million on redeveloping Canberra International Airport into a true gateway for our national capital (including $75 million over the last 12 months). This investment represents a very significant financial commitment to the long-term success of Canberra as a city and regional centre.

In addition to our operation and construction employment, more than 115 businesses currently operate at Canberra International Airport, a significant increase from the 70 businesses in 1998.

Airport businesses currently employ 3,100 people directly, almost double the employment in 1998 of 1,660 people. This equates to around 1.75% of the jobs in the ACT.

Earlier studies reported that almost 80 per cent of the population of Canberra-Queanbeyan have visited or used the Airport for some reason at least once in a 12 month period and only two per cent of the Canberra-Queanbeyan population have never used or been to the Airport.

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Consultation process
We recognise that the Airport is a critical driver of the local and regional economy, and see the transfer of the Airport to local ownership as an opportunity to integrate more effectively the Airport's development and operation with local and regional priorities.

The Master Plan reflects a comprehensive consultation process with key stakeholder groups and a recognition of local views.

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Development objectives
We will achieve our vision for Canberra International Airport by:

• ensuring that the Airport is operated and developed in a safe, comfortable, secure and environmentally sustainable manner by improving the comfort of travellers and of Airport visitors, maintaining security standards and adhering to sustainable environmental practices;
• developing a culture of excellence based on customer service and value for money by providing high levels of customer service and value for money services to stakeholders;
• ensuring that the design of the Airport reflects its role as a gateway to the National Capital;
• optimising the social and economic benefits of the Airport to the Australian Capital Region by introducing initiatives to take full advantage of commercial opportunities and identifying development options that have maximum impact on the wider region;
• providing a business environment that allows the Airport and its associated businesses to reach their potential;
• developing Canberra International Airport as a regional multi-modal road, rail and air transport hub for passenger and freight connections;
• facilitating the use of the Airport as a terminal for high-speed rail;
• providing the flexibility to handle international operations on a demand basis in building layouts, security arrangements and airfield design to accommodate international flights as required; and
• adopting the best available technology to improve all-weather use of the Airport.

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Future growth
Canberra International Airport's economic importance is expected to grow significantly over the next decade.

Passenger movements through Canberra International Airport have more than tripled over the past 21 years, from 708,000 in 1982-83 to 2.3 million in 2003-04 — an average annual growth of 6.1 per cent. Passenger movements are forecast to reach 5.2 million by 2024-25 and total aircraft movements 146,000.

Canberra's potential role as a second airport for Sydney and possible construction of a VHST are also expected to promote long term growth in aviation activity through Canberra as a regional hub and as an international airport.

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Road access
Anticipated traffic volumes on major arterial roads in the Airport vicinity are expected to grow due to growth of Kowen, Queanbeyan, the Majura Valley and the Airport.

Terminal access, parking and set down/pickup facilities will be upgraded progressively in association with the terminal development to accommodate passengers using public and private transport.

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Runways and taxiways
Operational efficiencies for the runway and taxiway system will be achieved by constructing additional facilities on a demand basis and subject to rigorous financial, operational and environmental assessment.

We have examined the capability of international operations using the existing runway length and with an extended runway, and found that adequate access to principal hub airports in the Asia-Pacific Region is available from the existing runway system, although significant additional payload benefits will result from an extension to Runway 17/35. A 600m extension to Runway 17/35 as well as a strengthening of the runway commenced in early 2006.

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Aircraft noise
We are committed to developing Canberra International Airport sympathetically with the surrounding community and within a framework of responsible environmental planning. This includes minimising noise impacts in consultation with key stakeholders.

This Master Plan details the plan for ameliorating the environmental impact of aircraft noise through the Canberra International Airport High Noise Corridor as the land use planning tool around Canberra International Airport. The Master Plan also outlines noise respite measures used to protect the community from aircraft noise, as well as tools used to describe aircraft noise to the community.

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Other environmental issues
A new Environment Strategy for the next five years is being prepared by Canberra International Airport that addresses:

• areas of environmental significance;
• sources of environmental impact, including land, air and water pollution;
• studies and monitoring to be undertaken; and
• specific measures to prevent or control pollution or reduce adverse environmental impact.

A Grasslands Management Plan has been endorsed by the Department of Environment and Heritage. This Management Plan, which will be periodically updated, has identified native grassland areas in and around the Airport site that provide habitat for the endangered Eastern Lined Earless Dragon and the Golden Sun Moth. We have also identified appropriate management strategies for the grasslands while maintaining aircraft safety through minimising bird strike risks in the Plan.

The quality of surface water runoff will be monitored in accordance with the Airport Environment Strategy.

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Heritage issues
A cultural heritage assessment was undertaken in 2001. A small indigenous cultural area was identified at the south eastern edge of the Airport. The site may be cleared prior to land development.

Airports are no longer subject to the Commonwealth Heritage List established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Heritage issues at all Australian capital city airports, including at Canberra International Airport, will instead be managed under the requirements of the Airports Act 1996 and Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997. We are committed to incorporating heritage conservation principles in the final development concepts for Fairbairn.

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Timing for development
We will actively pursue growth opportunities in the aeronautical and non-aeronautical components of the business. Future investment decisions will focus on the Terminal Precinct, the development of a freight centre and new uses for all precincts.

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Master Plan review
The Airports Act states that a final Master Plan remains in force for five years. This plan will be reviewed before or in 2010.