MINUTES AAA Tasmanian Division Meeting AGM
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MINUTES AAA Tasmanian Division Meeting AGM 13 September 2019 0830 – 1630 Hobart Airport Chair: Paul Hodgen Attendees: Tom Griffiths, Airports Plus Samantha Leighton, AAA David Brady, CAVOTEC Jason Rainbird, CASA Jeremy Hochman, Downer Callum Bollard, Downer EDI Works Jim Parsons, Fulton Hogan Matt Cocker, Hobart Airport (Deputy Chair) Paul Hodgen, Launceston Airport (Chair) Deborah Stubbs, ISS Security Michael Cullen, Launceston Airport David McNeil, Securitas Transport Aviation Security Australia Michael Burgener, Smiths Detection Dave Race, Devonport Airport, Tas Ports Brent Mace, Tas Ports Rob Morris, To70 Aviation (Australia) Simon Harrod, Vaisala Apologies: Michael Wells, Burnie Airport Sarah Renner, Hobart Airport Ewan Addison, ISS Security Robert Nedelkovski, ISS Security Jason Ryan, JJ Consulting Marcus Lancaster, Launceston Airport Brian Barnewall, Flinders Island Airport 1 1. Introduction from Chair, Apologies, Minutes & Chairman’s Report: The Chair welcomed guests to the meeting and thanked the Hobart team for hosting the previous evenings dinner and for the use of their boardroom today. Smith’s Detection were acknowledged as the AAA Premium Division Meetings Partner. The Chair detailed the significant activity which had occurred at a state level since the last meeting in February. Input from several airports in the region had been made into the regional airfares Senate Inquiry. Outcomes from the Inquiry were regarded as being more political in nature and less “hard-hitting” than the recent WA Senate Inquiry. Input has been made from several airports in the region into submissions to the Productivity Commission hearing into airport charging arrangements. Tasmanian airports had also engaged in a few industry forums and submissions in respect of the impending security screening enhancements and PLAGs introduction. The regions airports also welcomed the advocacy work of the Association which had resulted in the Regional Airports Program funding with the $100m secured being the biggest dedicated investment in regional airports since the Commonwealth divested to local governments and councils. The issue of Border force costs is of interest to Hobart Airport despite the government commitment of some $82m in resourcing. It was fitting that the meeting was held in the week when the long-awaited CASR / MOS Part 139 - Aerodromes was released. In the past few days a confidential email has been circulated foreshadowing the development of a communications plan and media release on the deployment by CASA/Air services of drone surveillance technology at 29 Australian airports. The Tasmanian airports have made good recent progress on PFAS matters through Round Table forums established for Hobart airport and for Launceston Airport involving key stakeholders such as DOICRD, Air services, DIPIPWE, EPA and Department of Health. Technical Working Groups had been formed with Air services to explore remediation options, a timely move given the recent memo received from the Department calling for a focus on development of remediation solutions. In March a AAA joint initiative with RA-Aus was secured allowing airport operators to identify and contact recreational flyers and providing the mechanism of an online portal which will aid billing and enhance safety. Devonport airport declared themselves as a satisfied user of the system. During the recent Commonwealth election, the state was feted with numerous visits from aspiring political leaders both before and after the election, which apart from adding to aeronautical revenues also saw significant funding promises made by the major parties including investments in tourism icons, including Cradle Mountain, Freycinet, Albert Hall and others. Launceston also 2 secured an extension of its “city deal” to 10 years, with having also secured similar tripartite funding from three levels of government. The ex gratia rates case has played out over the intervening period since the last meeting with an unsuccessful mediation exercise, a two-day hearing in late March and a one week hearing in July. Both Northern Midlands Council and Clarence Council had taken out a case against the Commonwealth as first respondent and Hobart and Launceston airports as second respondents. Launceston airport subsequently filed a crossclaim against the Commonwealth. Airport witnesses filed lengthy sworn affidavits and were subject to lengthy cross-examination in court. A fire service levy issue also arose in the July hearing requiring attorney Generals in all states to confirm they had no objection to the current proceedings. The judgement is expected to occur at year end. In the past fortnight the judge has given parties leave to make short submissions in relation to any implications for proceedings arising from the recent Essendon Airport versus Commonwealth judgement on land tax matters. 2. AAA Report (Sam Leighton): See attached presentation. 3. Smiths Detection: Michael extended an invitation to the Tasmanian airports representatives to view current trials of the latest company equipment taking place around Australia. Melbourne terminal four has had two CT X-Ray machines installed, which will grow to 6 lanes by October. Smiths Detection is participating in a significant number of tenders now. Action: Airports to consider observing enhanced equipment trials 4. Around the Tarmacs – Reports from Member Airports: Devonport Airport David Race provided an update on Devonport performance commenting that FY19 passengers (Qantas) had been down. The Aeronautical negotiations with Qantas commenced in Sydney this week. A letter had been received from Qantas pausing commercial negotiations in relation to security matters, intimating they will not contribute to interior modifications. The Master Plan is progressing with the Board having approved the technical document, with public publication expected shortly. Tas Fast has a new freight facility for Beech 1900 operation and 2 tonne payload. Engagement has occurred with Barry O’Farrell in relation to the Senate Inquiry into regional airfares. Dave briefed the group in relation to their AGL system and a desktop emergency exercise facilitated by Tom Griffiths. 3 Progress is being made on PFAS matters, with bores established on and off airport and seasonal testing occurring. Livestock are being kept away from the area. Dave Race highlighted the increase in AMSD audit activity and a recent finding which precipitated a $12k outlay to address a new monitor/software requirement, which Michael Burgener also highlighted as being evident in Queensland and that Hamilton Island may be able to assist. There had been an issue with someone attempting to get on board the aircraft. This has highlighted the importance of vigilance from all staff. Paul Hodgen highlighted the recent communication from AMSD who were seeking to change the NCN process which would effectively reduce the length of time available to airports to investigate and respond before final serving of non-conformances. Airports talks to recent cases involving NCN’s where despite acceptance of the fact that no Corrective Action Plans have been required, the NCNs had still been served. Action: It was suggested that airports respond accordingly to endorse the current arrangements. King Island Airport Paul Hodgen highlighted that an issue has arisen in relation to Biosecurity who want to inspect all inbound freight. Sam Leighton commented she had unsuccessfully been trying to get hold of Michael Wells to discuss the matter, as she has a relevant Biosecurity contact and some relevant background information. There does not appear to be a legislative instrument allowing them to implement. Currently an in-kind gesture being made. Tas Ports is putting together a document. Rod Sullivan was suggested as an alternative contact to reach Michael Wells. A CPI-based fee increase has been negotiated and exchanges with Rex resolved following intervention by State Government. New Resident fares of $99 for bookings made outside 30 days and on day of travel have been introduced. Launceston Airport Update Paul Hodgen provided an update for Launceston Airport. Launceston had been unsuccessful in its bid to host one of the Qantas Flight Training Academies, despite being shortlisted to one of nine from a field of more than sixty bidding cities/airports. Launceston has recently provided an exposure draft of its 2020 Masterplan to the Department for review and will shortly commence public consultation. Marcus Lancaster has recently been appointed as Manager Aviation Operations and Compliance. From January to July Launceston has conducted an extensive, multi-channel, destination marketing campaign utilising Jetstar marketing assets to promote the region, including an aircraft “wrap”. Air Services has been declared the “lead entity” by the Tas EPA in relation to PFAS contamination. The airport has developed a PFAS Fact Sheet for use with selective audiences. More recently, fish consumption prohibition notices have been posted by the Department of Health 4 on the North Esk river. Recent works have created additional ready bay capacity and installed service booths for three operators in the car rental car park. Burnie Airport Paul Hodgen highlighted that Burnie airport had recently taken over management of King Island Airport. A 3-year deal had been secured with Rex airlines and was understood to be working well. Sharp Airlines has added additional Burnie to King Island frequency. Flinders Island Airport Paul Hodgen highlighted that the main runway status is