MINUTES AAA QLD Division
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MINUTES AAA QLD Division Wednesday 21 March 2018 Brisbane Airport Conference Centre, Brisbane Chair: Rob Porter – General Manager Mackay Airport Attendees: List of Attendees Attached Apologies: Rob MacTaggart (The Airport Group) 1. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: Noted minutes from last meeting. 2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS: Rob Porter (General Manager Mackay Airport) opened the meeting, welcomed members and thanked Smiths Detection for sponsoring the meeting. Also thanked our division dinner sponsors Trident Services and Airport Equipment. Noted the excellent presentation from Neil Scales at the dinner, noting that we will invite him back in 12 months’ time to share his experiences. Rob Porter (General Manager Mackay Airport) encouraged members to provide feedback to the AAA team on the recent communications innovations (airport professional, the centre line, social media, etc.) The hot topics section at the end of the agenda was noted and the Chair, encouraged members to share their thoughts. Rob Porter (General Manager Mackay Airport) encouraged members to provide feedback on the number and structure of division meetings. Noted ‘out of the box’ topic suggestions are always welcome. Rob Porter (General Manager Mackay Airport) provided members with an overview of the agenda. Noting the ‘around the tarmacs’ section and encouraged members share their activity. QLD Overview Rob Porter (General Manager Mackay Airport) noted increase pressure across the state in access to aircraft, this has put upwards pressure on regional airfares in particular. 1 3. AAA UPDATE Simon Bourke (Policy Director AAA) noted key topics that the AAA had been working on over the past 6 months. Security Changes Proposed changes to Aviation Security will have an impact on all aviation sectors. The AAA expects a formal announcement from government next week – in like with the 2018 Budget. Social Media and Web Page: It was reported that the AAA is gaining momentum in the Social Media space, as well as a new website being launched yesterday. Events: • AAA Board Meeting 7 June 2018. • OPS SWAP 23-24 May 2018 – Brisbane. • Pavement and Lighting Workshops 22 May 2018 – Brisbane. • National Conference 12-16 November 2018 – Brisbane. Other: AAA staff are working closely with government and industry on a number of various issues and have released an online course guide for 2018. 4. ROUTES ASIA OVERVIEW Cally Ward (Senior Aviation Manager Airbiz) provided overview of the Routes Asia event, noting it was a very successful event which included two appearances from the Minister Kate Jones. Noted that Routes Asia is essentially a ‘speed dating’ exercise between airlines and airports. It was noted that it is important to be concise and engaged. Cally Ward (Senior Aviation Manager Airbiz) provided an overview and photo slide show of the exhibition and event (please contact the AAA if you would like a copy of this presentation). Members asked how can they leverage off routes to get those international visitors/services to cascade into regional airports? Cally Ward (Senior Aviation Manager Airbiz) noted it is important to make sure you have suitable code share arrangements, but also ensure you have appropriate scheduling to enable proper connectivity. This requires discussion and collaboration with airline partners, as well as tourism bodies to assist in influencing this process. 5. AAA REPORT (PRESENTATION) Simon Bourke (Policy Director AAA) presented The AAA’s Activity and Policy Update for 2018. The Year Ahead: Simon Bourke (Policy Director AAA) spoke on the key dates for the AAA during 2018, including: • Divisional Meetings; • Workshops; 2 • Events; • Government and Industry engagement functions; • Airport Safety Week 15-19 October 2018; and • National Conference 12-16 November 2018. Policy and Advocacy: Simon Bourke (Policy Director AAA) explained the main policy focus areas for 2018 for the AAA: Protect Regional Airports Campaign. The AAA had held over 30 briefing meetings held with MP’s, Senators, Ministers and their Offices since launching the Campaign. Another round of briefings is scheduled for March 2018 – including new Ministers. The AAA will shortly be providing its members with information and tools on how to show your support for the campaign, including contacting your local members and promotion through social media channels. Senate Inquiry into Regional Air Routes. Simon Bourke (Policy Director AAA) informed the group that the Inquiry had been set up on 16 November 2017, to explore all factors and issues that have potential to impact on the price of regional airfares. In addition: The AAA lodged a comprehensive submission in Feb 2018, focused on providing an explanation to how airport charges are set, as well as demonstrating that only a small amount is passed on to airfares. The Inquiry received over 140 submissions, with public hearing commencing in April (WA, NIT & QLD). The AAA will participate in the public hearing process. The Inquiry Committee is set to table its report 20 September 2018. Airport Security: Following the foiled aviation terror attack at Sydney in July 2017, the Government instructed the Inspector of Transport Security (TS) to conduct a review of airport security. It is understood that: • the review has been completed, with a final report being handed to Government for consideration (outcomes of the report are confidential); • the government is expected to make an announcement in the near future regarding potential changes to airport and aviation security requirements; and • depending on the details of the policy, it may result in substantial impacts on major and regional airports – as well as airlines. The AAA has been consulting closely with both Minister and Government agencies on the potential impacts of significant changes to aviation security requirements, including: 3 • a comprehensive submission to the ITS review of airport security (in close collaboration with our airline partners); • making the AAA position clear to government that any change to aviation security policy must be intelligence driven, risk-based, practical and proportionate; and • government assistance would be essential if any additional requirements were imposed on regional airports. 6. CASA REVIEW of MOS Part 139. On 29 August 2017, CASA released the NPRM for CASA/MOS Part 139 – Aerodromes, for public consultation, with submissions due 8 December 2017. The AAA: worked with CASA to communicate the major changes in the MOS Part 139 with industry and encouraged participation on the consultation process; and lodged a major submission responding to the NPRM, which included a collation of feedback from individual airports on all aspects of the revised MOS. The Program will be finalised in May 2018 and Partnership and exhibition opportunities are still available. This year’s National Conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Earlier this year, CASA confirmed that: • over 100 submissions to the NPRM consultation process; • a comprehensive review of the industry feedback is underway, with early analysis revealing that further discussions with industry will most likely be required – due to pavements and ‘accountable manager’ requirements (The AAA has offered to facilitated these discussions); and • is targeting August 2018 for publishing the finalised CASR/MOS Part 139, with this expected to come into effect for industry 12 months thereafter. 7. AIRPORT SAFEGUARDING The AAA continues to advocate strongly for state implementation of the National Airport Safeguarding Framework (NASF). The AAA provided a third submission into the review of NASF Guideline B. Simon Bourke (Policy Director AAA) has confirmed that: • a finalised version of Guideline B will be provided to the Transport Infrastructure Council in May 2018; and • NASAG has initiated industry consultation on a new Guidelines for Public Safety Zones and Strategic Helicopter Landing Sites; and • The AAA is exploring opportunities with Government to improve airspace protection for airports. 4 8. PFAS CONTAMINATION In October 2017, the AAA hosted a PFAS workshop for its members in Canberra to collaborate, discuss and share information regarding PFAS contamination on airports. The workshop resulted in the AAA developing a por-active series of activities to improve information sharing among industry, as well pursuing increased engagement with Government and relevant agencies. In February 2018, the environment Ministers of each state/territory endorsed the release of the finalised PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP), to which the AAA provided a submission. Simon Bourke (Policy Director AAA) noted that: • while the finalisation of the PFAS NEMP is a positive step, it is not a binding document; • there is an intergovernmental agreement on PFAS under development, which is expected to be finalised this year; • The AAA has recently re-engaged with Airservices Australia with a view to establishing an open dialogue with industry; and • The AAA is maintaining close consultation with the Prime Minister and Cabinet PFAS Taskforce regarding the whole-of-government response. 9. INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT Online Course Guide for 2018. More information on education, and the courses offered: www.airporteducation.asn.au AAA Airport Practice Note Supplement – Regional Airport Pavements. In addition to APN 12 – Airfield Pavement Essentials, the AAA has commissioned Dr Greg White to develop a supplement with more detailed guidance specifically on pavement typical of regional and