Tarmac Talk
General Aviation Hangars
Good news for the general aviation and light aircraft fraternity who are seeking new hangar sites in the Bundaberg Region.
Bundaberg Regional Council recently approved the General Aviation Master Plan developed by independent consultants, which sets out 17 new hangar sites to maximise the use and functionality of the existing and proposed taxiway system and future access to the Kensington Parkside Air Park.
Safety associated with increased taxiway traffic has also been paramount with master planned designs avoiding head-to-head traffic movements on taxiways and greater Hangar movement and flexibility.
Council is now progressing to develop the proposed Master Plan and seeks to have the service available as soon as possible. The completion of the project is greatly anticipated and will present the region with many more aviation opportunities.
Aviation Security - Passenger Screening
The Office of Transport Security requires that passengers, carry-on luggage and checked baggage must the security screened from 1st July 2012.
Bundaberg Regional Council has been proactive in seeking and taking delivery of the best equipment available to provide these services. The checked baggage x-ray equipment is installed and the passenger carry-on luggage x-ray equipment is scheduled to be installed in April 2012. The cost for the equipment will be covered by a Federal Government grant for establishing security screening services.
In December 2011, Council advertised for an aviation security screening contractor to provide the staffing services for security functions. The selection and engagement is planned to be finalised in February 2012 and service to commence accordingly.
Security Camera Coverage
With the recent expansion of public car park facilities and legislative requirements by the Office of Transport Security to provide CCTV coverage of airside access points, Council is progressing the process to install additional security camera points and systems.
The level of service and security has increased exponentially over the past three years inline with increased compliance of National and International regulation. Bundaberg Regional Airport continues to develop and expand to meet the current and future demand.
Travellers Survey Completed
Air travellers have responded positively to a Bundaberg Regional Council online survey with a majority giving the upgraded regional airport operations a tick of approval.
Council conducted the survey to gather valuable feedback from airline passengers to help with ongoing evaluation of the airport and guide its future growth and direction.
The survey found eighty-six per cent of the 1142 people who took part in the survey said they were satisfied with their experience at the airport. Read more»
Bundaberg Regional Aviation and Aerospace Precinct
Bundaberg region enjoys a proud reputation in aviation, being the home of pioneer aviator Bert Hinkler and the established base of iconic manufacturing firms Jabiru Aircraft, MicroAir Avionics and CAMit Industries. A substantial supply chain consisting of many other small businesses operating in and around the city and region, has already developed to support these businesses.
Further, the Central Queensland University has established a Bachelor of Aviation Technology course which is available at the Bundaberg Campus.
Capitalising on the region's
aviation industry and creating regional economic opportunities, the Bundaberg Regional Council is developing an Aviation and Aerospace Precinct masterplan, which aims to develop the Bundaberg region's aviation and aerospace industry by building a critical mass of local capacity to ensure sustained growth and export opportunity.
The Bundaberg Regional Aviation and Aerospace Precinct encompasses an area of 290.6ha and includes:
- existing aviation industries, charter operations, pilot training schools
- existing airport
- new passenger terminal
- CQUniversity - Bachelor of Aviation Technology studies
- a business and commercial precinct, which will have both leasehold and freehold lots with airside and landside access
- a privately developed Business and Residential Airpark, both with airside and landside access
- the Regional Aerial Emergency Services Headquarters; Royal Flying Doctors Service and Energex Emergency Service
The future development of the Precinct will provide the region with employment, skill enhancement, business development and global opportunities, technological advancements, and will contribute to the region's growing tourism industry. Investment into the industry will further develop the existing aviation and aerospace supply chain, in turn, having a positive economic impact on the whole of the Wide Bay Burnett region.
If you have any queries or require further business development information in regard to any of the above components of the Bundaberg Regional Aviation and Aerospace Precinct then please email the Commercial Business and Economic Development team at airport@bundaberg.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 883 699.
