Charters Towers Airport Master Plan (Adopted: 19 November 2014)

Charters Towers Regional Council PO Box 189 CHARTERS TOWERS QLD 4820

PHONE: 07 4761 5300 FAX: 07 4761 5548 EMAIL: [email protected]

Contents Document Control …………………………………………………………………………………... 3 Introduction ...... 4 Background ...... 4 Location ...... 4 Regional Planning Context ...... 5 Economic Development Context...... 6 Strategic Direction ...... 6 Aviation Demand Forecasts ...... 7 Development Constraints ...... 8 Existing Infrastructure and Facilities ...... 9 Aircraft Movement Areas ...... 10 Runway 06/24 ...... 10 Runway 01/19 ...... 10 Taxiways ...... 10 Apron ...... 10 Helicopter Facilities ...... 10 Aviation Support Facilities ...... 10 Refuelling Facilities...... 10 Ground Support - Storage Areas ...... 10 Navigation and Approach Aids ...... 10 Weather Information Service ...... 10 Rescue and Fire-fighting Services ...... 10 Reporting and Safety Inspections ...... 11 Passenger Facilities ...... 11 Passenger Terminal ...... 11 Car Parking ...... 11 Car/Vehicle Storage ...... 11 Ground Transport Systems ...... 11 Access Roads ...... 11 Hire Car ...... 11 Financial Reporting...... 12 Future development ...... 12 Consultation Timeline …………………………………………………………………………….. 16

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Document Control

Amendment Control

The Charters Towers Airport Master Plan is a controlled document. The controller of the document is the Charters Towers Regional Council Director Utilities and Facilities (D U&F). Any proposed amendments to this plan should be forwarded in writing to:

Director Utilities and Facilities Charters Towers Regional Council PO Box 189 CHARTERS TOWERS QLD 4820

The D U&F (Director Utilities and Facilities) may approve inconsequential amendments to this document. Any changes to the intent of the document must be approved and endorsed by the Charters Towers Regional Council.

The amendment is to be inserted into the document, and the Amendment Register is to be updated and signed.

Amendment Register Document the history of amendments to the plan

Amendment Plan Updated No/Ref Issue Date Inserted by Date

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Introduction

Background The first land tenures over what is now recognised as the Airport land (hereinafter referred to as Precinct) were Goldfield Homestead Leases 105, 107, 108, 109, 113 and 114, each containing forty (40) acres.

That whole precinct was known locally by the name “Corinda” and on MHL’s 2353 and 2354 (centre of plan DV303) was located a very large Queenslander built by the Francis family. That building, pre WWI was the Corinda Hotel, which was eventually destroyed by fire.

The Defence Department acquired the land in the early years of WWII and the aboriginal camp disappeared and the James family relocated to town and onto their remaining lands to the west of Axford Road.

Airstrips were quickly established in 1942 and the precinct was used by the American 5th Air Force during WWII years.

Ownership of the Charters Towers Airport transferred to Council in May 1971. Council used the last remaining WWII igloo building as a Workshop until it was destroyed in a windstorm in 1987. A new workshop (current Council Airport Depot) was built soon after.

After WWII and up until Council acquired the Airport in 1971, the strip was used by private plane owners, commercial airlines (e.g. TAA) and others. The airstrip has continued in use since Council assumed ownership.

The Charters Towers Airport is ideally situated to capitalise on an opportunity to develop into a transport and freight aviation centre for North Queensland due to the increase in passenger transport in Townsville.

Location The Airport is located to the north east of the city of Charters Towers. The main strip runs generally WSW/ENE. A disused strip also remains insitu running generally in a SSW/NNE direction.

The precinct is situated on gently undulating country which drains via two creek systems into Sheepstation Creek and then into the Burdekin River downstream of the Weir catchment area.

Being 280 metres above sea level and at the headwaters of two (2) small creek systems, the precinct is flood proof.

The precinct, apart from some “remnant of least concern” vegetation located along the drainage systems, is relatively vegetation free.

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Regional Planning Context

North Queensland 2031 Plan – Economic and Infrastructure Framework The North Queensland 2031 Plan identifies the region’s competitive strengths, growth drivers and the role and outlook of each local government area (including Charters Towers) in supporting and facilitating economic development. The infrastructure baseline analysis provides an overview of key economic infrastructure supporting the region and its economy, as well as the significant challenges that may impede the economic development of the region. Airports and aerodromes are included.

The North Queensland Vision to 2031 is: North Queensland will experience sustainable economic and population growth, becoming a nationally competitive and diversified economy and a preferred lifestyle choice for visitors and skilled workers.

Regional Airport development considerations Townsville Airport has released a Master Plan outlining a concept for the development of the airport site over the next 20 years.

Numerous existing airstrips throughout the region assist with the servicing of regional agricultural and mining communities.

Council considers the development of a Master Plan integral for the guidance of future development of the precinct

The NQ 2031 approach to future development as outlined below is pertinent to future development of the Charters Towers Airport:

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Economic Development Context The Charters Towers Regional Council Economic Development Plan identifies a number of key strategies for Economic Development for the Charters Towers Region including strategies relating to the Airport as follows:-

Build the Opportunity for Charters Towers to be the Major Service Centre to Rural North Queensland

Airport Area Plan / Strategy The Charters Towers Airport is an underutilised asset with significant potential for expansion and with significant available land for synergistic developments. The opportunities and constraints to development of this area should be further explored to develop an Airport Area Plan or Strategy based on how best to utilise the precinct. The Airport Area Plan or Strategy may proceed in partnership with an external developer to realise the opportunities uncovered.

Strategic Direction It is Council’s belief that with proper planning, marketing and investment, operations as undermentioned are distinct possibilities for the future and to safeguard such intent, adhoc development inconsistent with the planning regimes promoted herein should be avoided.

Operations anticipated include:

1. Introduction of commercial regular passenger traffic; 2. Introduction of commercial cargo air traffic; 3. Development of new essential airport facilities; 4. Development of warehousing/logistics capacity; 5. Specialised airport maintenance facility [e.g. airplane spray-painting]; and 6. Specialised training [such as commercial pilot training],

In order to achieve these objectives, infrastructure improvements, including the improvements mentioned below are necessary:

1. Upgrade of the existing main runway 06/24 on its current alignment to Code 4C standard, 1,800 metres long x 30 metres wide, with the pavement strength limited to 68,100kg maximum take-off weight;

2. New ground transport solution for the airport, including new access road provision; and

3. Town planning to accommodate future developments within the Airport precinct boundaries.

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Aviation Demand Forecasts Current commercial utilisation of the Charters Towers Airport is low, with no regular passenger or air cargo services present.

Previous enquiries indicate that an opportunity exists for commercial operators to commence “fly in – fly out” operations from the Charters Towers Airport.

On request from a registered commercial aviation operator, Council initiated a region wide survey, focusing on the potential to include Charters Towers into existing routes: Townsville to Mt Isa. The survey was conducted by Council in mid-2013.

Returned ‘Survey forms’ statistics final numbers: By Mail 55 Council’s web site 16 TOTAL 71

Selected survey responses: Q: What is the main reason(s) for travelling on air service in/out of the Region at present? A: 50% respondents for business, 21% for holiday, 29% other

Q: What is your destination airport? A: 29% Brisbane; 7% Townsville; 7% Sydney; 57% elsewhere

Q: How did you purchase your ticket? A: 67% Internet; 20% Travel Agent; 13% other

Q: What other routes would interest you, should they become available? A: 46% Charters Towers-Townsville-Cairns; 24% Townsville-Charters Towers, Winton-Longreach; 23% Townsville-Charters Towers-Hughenden; 7% Other

Judging by individual Respondents comments, overall they have shown a willingness to consider using the Charters Towers Airport for their business trips as well as a connection to interstate and international trips, requiring departure from Townsville airport, should such option become available in the future.

An existing commercial airline operator has already assessed the Airport and concluded that both, the main runway and a terminal building as appropriate for commencement of regular passenger service. In their words, “terminal needs minor modifications and a paint job” to become ‘passenger ready’.

Another source of potential mid-term commercial aviation activity is air freight demand, which may be generated in the future by various industrial and agricultural projects, proposed within and around Charters Towers region.

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Example of such projects include:

• Energy generation • New horticulture production – irrigated crops • Warehousing / logistics operations – large scale • North Qld meat processing facility • Diatomaceous earth

Development Constraints

Physical Constraints and Limitations In general, future development of the Airport precinct has very few constraints and limitations. At present there are no serious ‘roadblock’ issues identified, preventing potential investors to develop this Airport’s capacity further to reach its true potential.

The following issues are listed to better describe current conditions and are not seen by Council as problematic.

Surrounding Uses The land to the immediate north of the Airport is zoned rural and is used for pastoral/ grazing purposes.

There are also three small (5, 10 and 20 acre) rural residential lots. To the south is the Racecourse, Columba Catholic College and a residential enclave.

West of the Airport is mainly rural residential with a very small element of a slightly larger grazing/residential use. Of interest, on the eastern side is a 20 acre drainage reserve with Council as Trustee.

Contamination The main Lot 5 is listed on the State Environmental Management Register, but only in respect of fuel (Avgas) storage, which is a very small, centrally located part of the property.

Heritage There are two State-listed heritage sites. On L5/SP250481 is the Swing Compass which is located on the north side of the main runway about 860 metres from the west end of the runway.

The Bore Sight Range is located on L25/SP207129. It is sign posted on Weir Road and is often visited by tourists.

Funding and Planning Limitations Until recently, Queensland regional centres have been overlooked when it comes to private and government investments in the aviation sector.

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

This trend seems to be changing and development of remote coastal, fully functional airports is more realistic to take place within the next 10-20 years. A construction of a brand new dedicated airport in Toowoomba by private sector developer Wagner’s is clear indication of this trend.

Existing Infrastructure and Facilities Council Infrastructure Council maintains a full perimeter fence as well as a kangaroo proof fence around the main runway. Water mains and all attendant fixtures are installed and maintained, including a Council/Public-use metered standpipe.

There is no sewerage infrastructure in place.

Sealed and gravelled roads are constructed and fully maintained, including road furniture. The main runway is maintained by Council, as is the entire attendant infrastructure, such as runway markings, lights etc.

Council owns and controls the Airport Terminal building and an adjacent aircraft hangar. Other Infrastructure Other infrastructure operated by commercial/public concerns include.: Infrastructure Purpose/Use Tenure Arrangement Engineering workshop Aircraft Maintenance/repair Freehold business. Fuel facilities Avgas in ground tanks with Lease from Council bowser Engineering workshop Helicopter Maintenance facility Lease from Council Aircraft hangars Hangars for housing of Sites are leased from recreational aircraft. Council Community Facilities Large shed towards the western Council approval to occupy Gliding Club end of the main runway. Air Cadets Headquarters/parade grounds Leased from Council Apex, Lions and Rotary Small storage facilities No lease Clubs Neighbourhood Centre Small storage facility No lease State Emergency Small storage facility for storage No lease Service and veterinarian of drummed Avgas Cricket Association Various cricket pitches used No lease solely for the Goldfield Ashes Carnival annually WWII Monuments Two WWII monuments (blocks No lease with plaques attached) State Heritage sites Bore Sight Range and Swing No lease. State heritage Compass listed

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Aircraft Movement Areas Runway 06/24 Runway 06/24 is the main runway and is 1,736 metres in length and has a full Asphalt Seal.

Runway 01/19 Runway 01/19 is A secondary runway/cross strip consisting of a gravel/grass composition, 1,005 metres in length. The majority length is gravel.

Taxiways Chip Seal

Apron Chip Seal

Helicopter Facilities Private hangars currently service existing operators in the region. Future demand is expected for new hangar capacity to be built in the next 5 – 10 years. Potential for a helicopter pilot training school exists. Aviation Support Facilities Refuelling Facilities Av gas tanks are currently located just north of the Council hangar. Current operational status: On demand availability

Ground Support - Storage Areas • Council Hangar houses up to 4 planes • Tie down facilities • 6 private hangars – leased to local residents

Navigation and Approach Aids Pilot operated lighting is available and functional. Back up procedures in case of mains power failure are in place.

Weather Information Service Two wind socks are located within the protected airport area. Weather reading station is located in front of main terminal building.

Rescue and Fire-fighting Services The Charters Towers Airport comes under the jurisdiction of the Urban Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Reporting and Safety Inspections Council has responsibilities and obligations as the airport operator under Civil Aviation Safety Authority (C.A.S.A.) guidelines. Inspections are normally undertaken by the Airport Reporting Officer (ARO) weekdays at least three times a week. Inspections are recorded on a Daily Inspection Checklist Form.

Passenger Facilities Passenger Terminal The passenger terminal was constructed post WWII and has capacity for up to 80+ passengers. The following facilities are available in the terminal:- 1. Public toilet 2. Public phone

Car Parking Passenger parking is available adjacent the passenger terminal building. Car/Vehicle Storage There is no lockable storage available at present. No security services are provided at the airport for private vehicles parked at the facility.

Ground Transport Systems Access Roads The airport is accessed off Macpherson Street, a fully sealed local road. That entry route connects back to the Gregory Developmental Road (State Highway and Hackett Terrace) mainly via Prior Street, another fully sealed local road.

There is a partly formed road (Archers Road) which can connect the Airport land to the State Highway system via Acaciavale Road and Wheelers Road, both of which are sealed. It is anticipated that this alignment will provide for the alternate multi combination/heavy vehicle access to the precinct to accommodate the more intensive future logistics and warehousing operator transport needs.

The site can also be accessed via the sealed Weir Road, at any number of places.

Hire Car Hire car agencies service Charters Towers in general. Taxi services are available on demand.

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Financial Reporting Maintenance and capital improvements are attended to by Council on an annual basis. Due to limited revenue from existing operations, such works are subsidised through general revenue. Revenue and expenditure for the past five years is as follows.

2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014 Revenue Airport Hangar & Terminal Fees 3,844 4,962 2,038 7,949 9,244 Airport Landing Fees 20,304 14,556 10,169 238 1,906 Airport Subsidies - - 46,216 - - Other contributions - 1,200 4,279 - 818 TOTAL REVENUE 24,148 20,718 62,702 8,187 11,968

Expenditure Airport Maintenance 68,955 79,222 58,420 72,016 82,406 Airport Operating Expenditure 2,352 2,242 6,260 8,079 7,018 Airport Special Maintenance - - 19,322 362 29,082 Airport Buildings Depreciation 8,478 8,679 8,883 9,604 15,517 Airport Equipment Depreciation - - - 196 196 Airport Runway Depreciation 27,376 27,922 31,824 32,788 34,691 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 107,161 118,065 124,709 123,045 168,910

Future development Council considers that potential for industry development within the precinct as hereinbefore outlined exists and for the purpose of safeguarding the precinct from adhoc development that could in the future constrain preferred development, specific development areas have been identified and recorded.

Preferred development areas are depicted on the plan at Annexure “A”.

The undermentioned table sets out Council’s vision for the development areas together with an indication of anticipated time lines for implementation of the strategies proposed.

Area Description Timeframe 1. Protected This area is proposed for development as Short Term. Airport Area a Low Impact Industry Precinct catering Preparation of new predominantly for aeronautical service planning scheme industries. The overall outcomes sought incorporating such are low intensity industrial and commercial changes presently uses such as Transport Hub development underway – storage etc. Rezoning required to enable 2014/2015. such activities as lawful as of right uses. The area incorporates the runways and current airport infrastructure.

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

1.1 Runways Runway surface and subgrade – Survey works to be undertake testing to determine pavement undertaken with a view condition for acceptance of varying aircraft to works being effected specification. Assess results and plan for 2014/2015. any suggested upgrades.

Upgrading of current taxi and apron area to improve drainage and cover seal.

Construction and sealing of access strips servicing private hangar areas.

Construction of new fuel dispensing facilities adjacent terminal complex to improve accessibility for refuelling requirements.

Undertake additional survey works for provision of additional private hangar allotments. Security Fencing Upgrades Short to Medium Term 1.2 Alternative Construct Archers Road to provide access Medium to Long Term Road Access to Flinders Highway to service Protected Airport Area. 2. Airpark Zone The Charters Towers Regional Council Short Term. area is extensive and predominantly used Preparation of new for pastoral purposes. Due to the planning scheme extensive distances constituents are incorporating proposed required to travel from property to town, a changes presently significant number of pastoralists own and being undertaken. operate their own aircraft and own residential property within City limits. Planning as to determination of most Town visits are frequent and essential for cost effective and matters such as business, supplies and logistically feasible children’s education. configuration to be completed in Council believes that a market exists to 2014/2015. allow people to live close to the Airfield and keep an aircraft in a hangar at their house, either as a separate building or integrated with the residence. Page | 13

Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

The market is intended to not only service the grazing fraternity, but to also cater for the growing recreational aviation industry.

This area contains the remnants of the first sealed strip associated with the Charters Towers Airport. Whilst in foundation is considered appropriate, re-sealing is necessary to make same usable. The strip once rejuvenated, will allow aircraft direct taxiway access to the main runway through perimeter security gates. Zoning changes required to facilitate such development. 3. Warehousing Warehousing and logistics projects are Short to medium term. and Logistics highly sought after types of infrastructure Preparation of new development. planning scheme Main advantages of developing this area: incorporating proposed • Provision of well paid, stable jobs changes presently • Diversification of business activities being undertaken. • Cross benefits with other non- residential land use in Charters Towers [e.g. Cunningham Industrial Estate] 4. Trade Training Built in proximity to the Airport. Significant Short Term. Centre opportunities exist to utilise training Council donated the capacity for current and future airport land for establishment precinct developments of a centre. Centre has been constructed and officially opened on 13 August, 2014. 5. Future Rural Although a separate parcel of land Short to Medium Term. Residential (described as Lot 25 on Plan SP207129), Area 2 has significant connection to the Application for Airport due to its historical use as an reconfiguration has Aircraft Weapons Siting Facility for aircraft been lodged. Civil stationed at the Airport during World War works to complete II. reconfiguration to be undertaken 2014/2015. The land is located within the Rural Residential Zone pursuant to the former Charters Towers City Council Planning Scheme. Council has resolved to proceed with the sale of such land for rural residential use and planning as to the most optimum nature of reconfiguration is presently proceeding. It is anticipated that allotments will be released to market in 2014/2015 consequent to conclusion of civil works.

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Allotments will be serviced by sealed roads, water, electricity and communications infrastructure.

The Bore Sight Range will stand alone and be maintained as an important historical/heritage aspect of the Region. 6. Future Urban This Area adjoins the residential sector of Medium to Long Term Residential the Charters Towers City. The land is capable of connection to existing City infrastructure enabling development of same for medium density residential development (lot sizes 700m2).

The majority of urban growth occurring at present within Charters Towers occurs as infill and consolidation development driven by private developers.

Whilst the land is available for immediate development, Council proposes to retain same for staged release to meet private developer inadequacies if and when demand necessitates.

Current use of the land for passive public recreation and cricket carnival purposes will be retained.

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Consultation Timeline

DATE SUBJECT WHO 13 March 2014 Draft Airport Master Plan Distributed to Charters Towers Chamber of Commerce & Mines for comment 13 March 2014 Draft Airport Master Plan Distributed to Denis Beahan as Airport Representative on Chamber committee 28 August 2014 Airport Stakeholders Draft Master Plan presented for Advisory Committee comment Meeting Attendees: Cr Frank Beveridge - CTRC Cr Joe Cooper - CTRC Cr Wally Brewer - CTRC Cr Roma Bailey - CTRC Marnie Taylor - CTRC Jenny Dryden - CTRC Brett Holmes - Qld Fire & Rescue Service Dean Cavanagh- Queensland Police Service Robert Murray- State Emergency Service Jodie Collins - Chamber of Commerce Fergus Tait - Chamber of Commerce Wayne Dixon - Air Force Cadets Stephen Clements - NQ Gliding Club Paul Beahan (on behalf of Denis Beahan) Rob Douglas Jim & Trish Arena Kerry Fennamore Mark Bredden Trevor James Greg Smith Josh Hoch 19 November 2014 Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council following no stakeholder feedback on the content

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Annexure “A”

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Charters Towers Airport Master Plan Adopted by Council 19 November 2014

Charters Towers Regional Council Major Service Centre To Rural Queensland | Australia Northern Queensland (NQ)

CHARTERS TOWERS

SYDNEY

OPPORTUNITIES to INVEST FOR THE FUTURE AIRPORT PRECINCT

OPPORTUNITIES EXIST

Land adjacent the runway soon to be released for aeronautical industry associated development.

Long Term (10+ years) - Potential logistics hub for North/North West Queensland.

Medium Term (5 - 10 years) - Residential airpark/hangar facilities.

Short Term - Aeronautical industry associated use, ie. aircraft repair/maintenance, airfreight operations, commercial/recreational hangar sites. AIRPORT OVERVIEW/SUMMARY IATA: CXT / ICAO: YCHT

Summary Runways Airport Type Public Direction Length Surface Operator Charters Towers Regional Council m ft Location Charters Towers, Queensland 06/24 1,736 5,696 Asphalt Elevation AMSL 955 ft / 291 m 01/19 1,005 3,297 Gravel/Grass Coordinates 20°02'36"S 146°16'24"E

For any investment enquiries, please contact Council’s Planning and Sustainable Development Unit Phone: 07 4761 5300 Email: [email protected] Website: www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au