Airport Development
In order to service the requirements, and the need for a wider range of work choices for the larger workforce, associated with BMA’s growth program, investigations are currently underway to enable larger capacity aircraft to fly in and out of the Moranbah region. These investigations include the potential for developing a new airport to provide this improved regional capability.
While the scale, location and timing of such an airport is yet to be confirmed, it is envisaged that an airport development would be designed and constructed on the following broad criteria:
- the airport will be sited so as to ensure that the overall amenity of the residents of Moranbah is not adversely affected;
- sizing of the airport facilities (runway, terminal, refuelling capability) will be such that larger aircraft (including high capacity aircraft) can service directly the Moranbah area and potentially wider region; and
- flexibility of operation, such that the airport may be owned and managed either by BMA or by a third party.
The development of a new airport would also be required in time to access coal in the vicinity of the current airport.
It is envisaged that the development of a new airport would involve the following:
- clearing of onsite vegetation, and cutting and filling of the site to manage stormwater and to provide suitable site levels to construct the runway;
- construction of a new runway facility capable of allowing a variety of aircraft types, including high capacity aircraft;
- construction of a new terminal facility enabling the processing of passengers and associated luggage; and
- construction of ancillary airport infrastructure such as fuel storage, aircraft hanger facilities, runway lighting systems, ground aircraft navigation equipment, vehicle parking, security facilities/fencing and internal roads.
Depending on the selected location of the airport, there may be a need for a new road to be constructed to the airport from a suitable access point.