The Department of Infrastructure and Transport yesterday launched a discussion paper on national airspace protection after the issue was raised in the 2014 Aviation Safety Regulation Review (ASRR) report.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the paper aims to generate engagement with government, industry and community stakeholders on the issue of protecting airspace around airports to ensure flight paths for take-off and landing remain free from obstacles.
“The paper proposes a modern, consultative and risk-based approach to airspace protection around airports and critical aviation communications, navigation and surveillance facilities,” Chester said.
“It also considers options to better protect low-flying aircraft from hazards operating away from airports.
“I am looking forward to feedback from interested parties as we work toward modernising airspace protection in Australia.”
In 2014, the ASRR found that encroaching development around Australia's airports was becoming "an urgent policy issue".
"There is an emerging risk to the long-term viability of Australia’s existing aviation infrastructure," the ASRR report states.
"The issues are complex, crossing jurisdictions and levels of government, meaning that no single agency is able to deliver the required outcomes. However, as the agency responsible for on-airport planning issues at the 21 federally leased airports, and as the lead agency on aviation and airport issues, the Department must take a policy leadership role to ensure that the future viability of airport infrastructure is not compromised by poor planning and land-use decisions."
After examining the regulatory, legislative and administrative functions that impact airspace protection, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport found:
- a lack of transparency and accountability
- regulatory overlap
- absent or ambiguous legislation
- scope for improvement in regulation oversight
The discussion paper puts forward three reform proposals for industry consideration and feedback.
- Modernise the Airports Act 1996 to create a consistent and transparent airport protection regime.
- Create a consistent framework to protect communication, navigation and surveillance networks.
- Improve safety for low-flying aircraft operating beyond airport boundaries.
Feedback on the discussion paper is to go directly to the Department of Transport and Infrastructure by 28 February, and can be submitted to the department's website. A copy of the discussion paper is available via the link below.