Perth Airport Welcomes Master Plan Approval

Westralia Airports Corporation, the operator of Perth Airport, has welcomed the approval of its 2009 Master Plan by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese.

The approval of the new Master Plan is another important milestone for the company’s plans to redevelop Perth Airport.

Perth Airport CEO, Brad Geatches, said the Master Plan consultation and approval process had been rigorous resulting in the plans being subject to a high level of scrutiny to ensure the publics’ interests are met.

“The Master Plan describes Perth Airport’s land use and development plans for the next twenty years and beyond. Our recently completed major financing process which includes $950 million of lender and shareholder commitments will underpin our plans to build an outstanding airport for Perth,” Mr Geatches said.

The Master Plan properly recognises that airport plans cannot be developed in isolation. The airport plans must integrate with Perth’s broader urban and infrastructure plans and, importantly take into account the impact of the airport on surrounding communities and the environment.

The Master Plan also recognises that congestion during the traditional morning and evening metropolitan peaks is making it increasingly difficult to get to and from the airport, even though those peaks do not coincide with the airport’s peak operating hours.

Mr Geatches said, “We have appreciated the support of both the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments in developing long-term plans for the arterial road network in the vicinity of Perth Airport.

“The Commonwealth’s funding of the development of a Perth Airport Transport Master Plan and the Perth Urban Transport and Freight Corridor Upgrade are excellent initiatives and a model for future transport infrastructure planning.

“We are also very pleased to see the Master Plan announcement highlighted the Commonwealth and State Governments will be working together in identifying and improving the critical transport needs to the airport.”

The Master Plan also includes important information and processes to manage the impact of aircraft noise on communities surrounding Perth Airport.

The recent change in flight paths implemented by Airservices Australia to improve air safety resulted in changes in aircraft noise exposures and legitimate community concern.

“While over time improving aircraft and air navigation technology will continue to reduce noise exposure it remains essential that Perth Airport, Airservices and other industry stakeholders work closely with communities to manage noise impacts,” Mr Geatches said.

“We are mindful of the importance in communicating airport developments with the community and matters such as flight paths. Next year we will be undertaking essential runway works to ensure the high level of safety for our airfield infrastructure is maintained and Perth Airport is committed to communicating these works to the local community.

“We are pleased that our Master Plan has been approved and we are looking forward to implementing our plans to deliver facilities and services that all Western Australians will be proud of,” Mr Geatches added.

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