SCONE & UPPER HUNTER AIRPORT
STRATEGIC PLAN
2014 ‐ 2019
VISION The Scone & Upper Hunter Airport Strategic Plan focuses on good stewardship of this community asset by establishing objectives, developing strategies, and formulating action plans consistent with realising the vision for Scone & Upper Hunter Airport and the vision of the Upper Hunter Shire Council (UHSC).
UHSC VISION A Quality Rural Lifestyle in a Vibrant, Caring and Sustainable Community
UHSC MISSION To enhance the quality of life of all Shire residents by the provision of appropriate services and facilities through effective and efficient management of resources. To serve the community through equality of opportunity and involvement. To build a prosperous environmentally sustainable future. To foster sustainable, economic and social growth.
The Scone & Upper Hunter Airport Strategic Plan proposes an airport that will satisfy the potential demand for aviation services in a way which is compatible with the environment, the local community and the rational development of facilities, yet maintain flexibility to cater for future changes in demand.
AIRPORT VISION A well‐planned and serviced Airport facility managed in a manner that attracts environmentally responsible economic development opportunities to the Upper Hunter region.
AIRPORT MISSION To productively use the airport’s assets for the economic and social benefit of the residents of the Upper Hunter local government area. To manage and develop the airport in a sustainable manner.
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BACKGROUND The airstrip itself is a fully sealed runway 1404 metres in length with a 100 metre Runway End Scone & Upper Hunter Airport was constructed in Safety Area (RESA), night landing, fuel and 1958 by the former Scone Shire Council. The passenger facilities. airport was constructed for Fokker Friendship F27 aircraft. The Airport also supports a wide range of aircraft related industries such as aircraft maintenance, In existence for 56 years, it is currently classified aerial spraying, fire bombing, war bird museum, as a PCN 12 (Subgrade C). The facility has a scenic flights, aircraft welding and local aero club terminal building, aircraft fuelling facilities, activities. automatic weather station and an Aviation Cluster Park (incorporating fully serviced The Airport services the entire Upper Hunter allotments, light aircraft storage facilities, access region, (including the coal fields and equine roads and a hangar complex). Lighting was industries between Quirindi and Singleton) and provided in 1983 and in 1984 the runway was Mudgee region coal fields. bitumen sealed. Scone provides the only registered airport between Newcastle and Tamworth.
Scone Airport, by air is:
215km from Sydney 550km from Brisbane 835km from Melbourne
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Currently there is no Regular Passenger Transport local government area and 63.2 of the population (RPT) service and the airport is primarily used by within the working age population i.e. 6,771 General Aviation (GA) aircraft. people within the labour force.
Occasionally executive jets bring business people Economic and delegates to the area. The Upper Hunter Region has experienced above NSW average population growth over the past 10 years. This population growth has been as a result of several factors:
Strong energy sector and coal mining industries located in the Muswellbrook and Singleton Shires. Increased employment in mining related service industries The geology of the airport presents challenges. Growth in the thoroughbred breeding Soils are heavy black reactive clays which form industry and agricultural manufacturing linear gilgais. The soil form linear banks and industries depressions more or less in parallel lines. Gilgais The Upper Hunter Shire is predominantly an can create humps and hollows in the taxiways agricultural based economy with 25% of the local and runways. jobs related to agriculture, forestry and fishing UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION (ABS Census 2011). The shire has a growing population with a 7% growth between 2001 and A unique value proposition is a point of 2011. difference ‐ something that other airports would The shire is a net exporter of employment with find difficult to replicate. approximately 30% of the employed residents The unique value proposition for Scone & Upper (1,700) working outside the shire boundaries. Hunter Airport is: This is due principally to employment in the energy generation and mining sectors in adjacent Gateway to the Upper Hunter shires.
The airport offers access to the world renowned With an unemployment rate of 3.6% at the 2011 thoroughbred breeding centre for Australia, with Census and 3.0% based on the December 2013 over 65 studs, the largest veterinary practice in Department of Employment statistics, the shire is Australia and some of the most prominent in a strong position in comparison to the NSW international thoroughbred breeders in the and National averages. world. The largest employing industries in the Upper STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT Hunter are:
Environment 1. Agriculture – including equine industries 2. Retail Socio‐Economic 3. Manufacturing The local government area of Upper Hunter has 4. Education an estimated resident population of 14,206 5. Aged Care (2011). In the 2011 ABS Census the local 6. Mining and Energy government area has 5244 households within the
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With an ageing population, it is expected that Tourism there will be an increase in demand for aged care and health services in coming years. Employment One of the goals of Council is for the Upper and opportunities will increase in these Hunter to become a preferred destination for industries. visitors. For this to occur there will need to be investment in tourism product (experiences such Equine Industries as thoroughbred stud tours, Devil Ark, horse interpretive centre), investment in The thoroughbred breeding industry in the Upper accommodation and transport links to the major Hunter is recognised as the second largest population centres of Sydney and Newcastle. breeding region in the world. Employing over 1,000 staff, large numbers of support industries Summary such as feed suppliers, farriers and vets; the industry is second to none in Australia. With coal mining expected to continue to play an important role in the Upper Hunter regional With stud owners of many nationalities, the economy for the next 20‐30 years, continued airport is an important link to the rest of the growth in the equine industries and continued world for this industry. productivity improvements and value adding within the agricultural sector the Upper Hunter The growth of racing in China is seen as the next Shire is well placed to take advantage of growth big opportunity and the Upper Hunter is well in these industries. placed to secure further investment in the thoroughbred industry as the demand from China Expansion in the tourism industry will require grows. access to better transport options, including more regular air transport to the major Upper Hunter Clean Energy Precinct population centres. The Upper Hunter Shire is within the broader Upper Hunter Clean Energy Precinct, recognised by the Department of Environment & Heritage as a significant region for the development of alternative energy sources. Several wind farm proposals have are already in the planning phase, one located to the west of Scone and another to the west of Cassilis. Both projects have the capacity to provide increased employment during the construction and operation phases. Regulation Coal Seam Gas Scone & Upper Hunter Airport operates under Several exploration licenses cover much of the the national standards and advisory notes Upper Hunter LGA. Exploration has commenced published by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety within some license areas, however this industry Authority (CASA). is in its infancy and future development will depend on the proofing of the resources and CASA administers the Civil Aviation Act (1988) connection to pipelines to supply Newcastle and through the accompanying Civil Aviation Sydney. Regulations (CARs), Civil Aviation Orders (CAO), Civil Aviation Advisory Publication (CAAP), and the Manual of Standards (MOS).
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The Scone & Upper Hunter Airport is zoned SP1 Market Special Activities (Infrastructure) under the Upper Hunter LEP 2013. The Federal Department of Infrastructure & Transport’s General Aviation Survey 2010 found Clause 6.7 of the Plan identifies the objectives of the number of aircraft covered by the survey the clause as: increased by 2.7% in 2010 to 12,564.
(a) to provide for the effective and ongoing The total hours flown by Australian VH registered operation of the Scone Memorial Airport by aircraft in the general aviation and regional ensuring that such operation is not airline sectors in 2010 were 2.1 million (an compromised by proposed development that increase of 3.2% compared to 2009). penetrates the Limitation or Operations Surface for that airport, In addition the survey found an increasing trend in general aviation flying hours (including private, (b) to protect the community from undue risk business, training, test & ferry, aerial work, from that operation. agriculture, and charter) from 1,714 in 2000 to 1,847 in 2010. In addition to land zoning, the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) and Australian Noise Exposure Competitors Forecast (ANEF) provide a system to guide land use planning and development control in and There are four airports with 30 minutes flying around the Scone & Upper Hunter Airport. time of Scone & Upper Hunter Airport: Cessnock The OLS are a series of reference surfaces that Maitland control the available airspace around the airport Quirindi and define the desirable limits to which objects Gunnedah may project onto that airspace to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. These airports compete with Scone & Upper Hunter Airport as a base for general aviation The ANEF provides a scientific measure of the aircraft. aircraft noise exposure taking into account the frequency, intensity, time and duration of aircraft In addition a number of private airstrips provide operations. landings and aviation facilities for a variety of aircraft: Council has an draft policy with regards to the airport: the Scone & Upper Hunter Airport Coolmore Stud Operational Policy and User Guidelines. Elderslie (Newcastle) Parachute Club Luskintyre – Vintage aircraft Singleton (Yanda Airlines) Warkworth Glider Club
In addition, although not direct competitors, there are three major regional airports (with regular passenger transport services) within 30 minutes flying time of Scone & Upper Hunter Airport: Newcastle; Tamworth Narrabri
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The capacity constraints of Newcastle Airport (in Both fixed wing and helicopter aircraft operate terms of numbers of flights) may provide from Scone & Upper Hunter Airport. opportunities for smaller aviation operations to relocate to Scone. The following activities are currently carried out at the airport: A jet flying time of less than 30 minutes to Sydney is also seen as a bonus for the airport. flying schools adventure flights Customers scenic flights charter flights In 2013 there were 3,229 movements at Scone & medical transfers Upper Hunter Airport (including arrivals and recreational flying departures) at a total weight of 6,221,667 kgs. fire base operations aircraft maintenance
Site
Scone & Upper Hunter Airport is located 4km from the township of Scone in the Upper Hunter Valley and is owned and operated by Upper Hunter Shire Council.
Scone & Upper Hunter Airport is a site of approximately 39.59 hectares located at Lot 51 DP 1011052 The users of the Scone & Upper Hunter Airport; including airport user groups, private users, The airport precinct also has a capacity for future commercial clients, aviation businesses and the development on the site in various locations. general aviation community; have highlighted The airport precinct includes private hangars, the following as priorities for the airport: both large and small and aviation industrial sites Improve the overall appearance with direct access to runways and aprons whilst Improved drainage throughout the residential land adjoining the airport is airport encouraged for residential/aviation interests with Certification of the airport taxiways access to airport available. Expansion of taxiways and aprons The current runway length of 1,404m (90m wide Additional commercial activities with a centre sealed section of 30m) limits the Opportunities to service the tourism and size of aircraft that can use the airport. The commercial sectors current runway strength of PCN12/F/C/580 also Improved charter facilities limits the size of aircraft that can use the airport, Additional Airport activities eg although pavement concessions can be issued for parachuting, open days larger aircraft that can land and take off using the Optional use of the runway eg drag racing available runway. Infrastructure There is a half length parallel taxiway (with a 4m Operations wide sealed pavement) parallel to runway 11/29. Scone & Upper Hunter Airport is currently a The main apron is sealed and services the registered Airport, although application has been terminal area. made to upgrade this to a Certified Aerodrome.
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There are a number of unsealed and natural The airport generates revenues from landing surface aprons used by general aviation aircraft. fees, annual operating fees, licence fees and rentals. The runway and taxiway are equipped with pilot activated lighting. The main apron is equipped Significant infrastructure investment could be with flood lighting. funded from grants or loans.
Landing charges are recorded and processed by a specialist aviation billing contractor (Avdata).
Personnel
UHSC’s Manager Technical Support Services is a qualified Airport Manager.
In addition Council employees 3 staff holding Airport Reporting/Works Officer qualifications. An Automatic Weather Station and a Non Directional Beacon (NDB) facility also exists at the A range of regulatory, property, commercial and airport. operational tasks relating to the airport are undertaken by Council staff. An avgas aircraft fuelling facility is located adjacent to the terminal on the main apron area. Aerodrome engineering and technical inspections Jet A1 fuel is available by mobile tanker. are carried out by Council staff or consultants.
A terminal facility is located on the northern side Maintenance is carried out by Council of the runway. maintenance staff and contractors.
The terminal is serviced by adequate car parking SWOT Analysis facilities. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities There are several private and commercial owned and Threats) analysis for the Airport is attached hangar sites on the airport precinct. as Appendix C.
Council owns a shed and other infrastructure STRATEGIC DIRECTION throughout the airport precinct site. Replacement of one of the sheds is currently under review. The Scone and Upper Hunter Airport provides opportunities for business development, Site drainage is currently the subject of a investment and operational expansion. If the Drainage Study Review. airport is to achieve its objective of being a financially viable business unit, further Sewerage is available on the northern side of the investment site. and Financial business expansion The most recent adopted budget including the is required. ten year plan financial forecast for Scone & Upper Hunter Airport are summarised in Appendix B.
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Land Development Infrastructure Development
Land zoning and development needs to respond Substantial capital investment in the re‐ to the changing needs of users and businesses in habilitation of the airstrip and RESA was only the aviation field. Currently there is land zoned possible through a significant State Government within the airport for aviation business grant, airport user and Council contributions. It development, hangars and also for a mixed use would be expected that future capital investment residential/hangar/business. at the airport will require similar funding models or a business case for capital expenditure. Subdivision of land within the airport precinct should be carefully planned to ensure that Identified capital projects include: existing and future operations of the airport are not jeopardised but that investment is not stifled. Airport terminal building and car park Stormwater and sewer upgrades Income Generation Taxiway and apron extensions
Future income streams can be derived from a range of sources:
User fees Landing fees Land rates Special Rate Levy Lease income Events & tourism
All current and potential income sources need to be investigated to determine the future financial viability of the airport. Glossary of Terms
A Glossary of Terms is provided in Appendix D.
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OBJECTIVES The following objectives have been identified to achieve the vision and mission for Scone & Upper Hunter Airport. This includes strategies that have been identified to progress the objectives and how they will be measured to ensure that they are being achieved. Item Objective Strategy Measure 1 Investigate all options Develop alternative business models for the ongoing management of the Complete a review of the best model for the for the ongoing airport. ownership and management of the airport by 30 June management of the Review ownership models for the airport. 2015. airport. Review utilisation of alternate workforces at the airport. 2 Build a reputation as a Be a safe and complying facility that minimises negative impacts on residential Nil incidences of non‐compliance reported as a result well operated airport. amenity. of scheduled and unscheduled inspections of the Comply with all Civil Aviation Safety Authority requirements. airport by CASA.
Continual monitoring, review and enforcement of noise abatement procedures. No justified complaints regarding airport operations received by Council. 3 Provide certainty to the Build an attractive investment proposition for businesses. The airport is identified in Councils Economic community and airport Development and Tourism plans by 30 June 2015. operators. Review planning zones for the airport to ensure appropriate development. Appropriate airport planning zones are identified by 31 October 2014. Promote the airport as part of the local government area’s tourism and At least 20 full‐time equivalent jobs are created by business development. businesses located at Scone & Upper Hunter Airport
Develop an airport masterplan and business plan. Airport Masterplan and Business Plan developed by 31 December 2014. Ensure that airport property is administered consistently. Airport operations reported to the Airport Committee. Develop and asset management plan for the airport. Airport Asset Management Plan developed by 30 June 2015. Review of airport operational procedures to improve viability. Airport operational procedure reviewed and any changes implemented by 30/6/2015. 4 Provide a sustainable Provide a return on investment. Fees and charges are reviewed annually and revenue stream that Continually review operational costs and expenditure. exhibited through the UHSC Delivery Program and meets all current and Operational Plan. non‐current operating Implement equitable, user‐pays charging regimes. Airport Business Plan developed by 31/12/2014. costs. Identify alternative revenue streams. Investigate new business opportunities that generate additional income.
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APPENDIX A – LAND USE SCONE & UPPER HUNTER AIRPORT
Residential land
Residential land with airport access/hangars
Airport commercial land
Other commercial activities
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APPENDIX B – FINANCIAL SUMMARY
SCONE & UPPER HUNTER AIRPORT Operating Statement FY2012 to FY2024
Actual Actual Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Income Landing fees 29,056 36,488 39,000 42,500 43,882 45,307 46,780 48,300 49,870 51,491 53,164 54,892 56,676 Local access fees 12,895 12,786 10,000 12,500 12,906 13,326 13,759 14,206 14,668 15,144 15,637 16,145 16,669
Total Income 41,951 49,274 49,000 55,000 56,788 58,633 60,539 62,506 64,538 66,635 68,801 71,037 73,345
Operating Costs Administration 16,839 8,629 8,505 9,159 9,457 9,764 10,081 10,409 10,747 11,097 11,457 11,830 12,214 Airside Maintenance 11,061 16,427 16,151 24,745 25,549 26,380 27,237 28,122 29,036 29,980 30,954 31,960 32,999 Grounds Maintenance 49,973 50,125 45,658 43,164 53,726 55,339 57,004 58,724 60,499 62,332 64,224 66,178 68,196 Utilities 12,626 14,497 15,750 20,150 20,805 21,481 22,179 22,900 23,644 24,413 25,206 26,025 26,871 Buildings 4,933 4,755 12,000 12,000 14,130 14,264 14,403 14,546 14,694 14,846 15,004 15,166 15,334 Other 9,426 11,838 8,700 12,200 12,509 12,828 13,157 13,497 13,847 14,210 14,584 14,970 15,369 Loan Interest 42,515 40,748 39,726 38,605 37,499 36,294 34,593 33,076 31,615 29,765 27,853 25,928 23,496
Total Costs 147,373 147,019 146,490 160,023 173,675 176,350 178,654 181,274 184,082 186,643 189,282 192,057 194,479
Net Operating Surplus (Deficiency) (105,422) (97,745) (97,490) (105,023) (116,887) (117,717) (118,115) (118,768) (119,544) (120,008) (120,481) (121,020) (121,134)
Capital Works
Net Capital Expenditure 521,244 0 20,000 70,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000
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APPENDIX C – SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths Weaknesses
Only airport within Upper Hunter Obstacle limitations (OLS) Public ownership with freehold title Runway and apron lighting to meet MOS 139 Strategic location Financial capacity of Council to invest out of funds Availability of land for expansion No regular passenger transport (RPT) Access Terrain. Mitigated by circuit procedures listed in the Hangar and residential access ERSA and hazard lighting) Overall runway width of 150 metre Airport terminal facilities require upgrade Runway 1404 metres plus 100 metre RESA No cross runway for use by smaller aircraft Drainage issues associated with soil tope within airport
Opportunities Threats
The ongoing investment in tourism, mining and Lack of grant funding to assist with capital commercial opportunities. development Travel time to Brisbane by road Impacts on neighbouring residents Opening of new expressway to Sydney shortens travel Possible incompatibility of various types of activities time for recreational aviation users to house planes at at the airport Scone Cost of introduction of a RPT service Aviation elated industry development Use of expressway for travelling public between Base for aerial works Upper Hunter and Sydney Growth in sports aviation Regular passenger transport (RPT) services Commercial aviation interests Access to runway Development of a parallel grass airstrip Gliding activities Development of residential lots adjoining airport Availability of industrial lots
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APPENDIX D – GLOSSARY OF TERMS Aircraft classification number (ACN) A number expressing the relative effect of an aircraft on a pavement for a specified standard subgrade category. Air side The movement area of an aerodrome, adjacent terrain and buildings or portions thereof, access of which is controlled. Apron A defined area on a land aerodrome intended to accommodate aircraft for the purposes of loading or unloading passengers, mail or cargo, fuelling, parking, or maintenance. Elevation The vertical distance of a point or a level, on or affixed to the surface of the earth, measured from the mean sea level. GA General aviation Landing area That part of a movement area intended for the landing or take‐off of aircraft. Manoeuvring area That part of the aerodrome to be used for the take‐off, landing and taxiing of aircraft, excluding aprons. MTOW Maximum take‐off weight. Movement Either a take‐off or a landing by an aircraft. Movement area That part of the aerodrome to be used for the take‐off, landing and taxiing of aircraft, consisting of the manoeuvring area and the apron(s). Obstacles All fixed (whether temporary or permanent) and mobile objects, or parts thereof, that are located on an area intended for the surface movement of aircraft or that extend above a defined surface intended to protect aircraft in flight. Obstacle limitation surfaces (OLS) A series of planes associated with each runway at an aerodrome that defines the desirable limits to which objects may project into the airspace around the aerodrome so that aircraft operations at the aerodrome may be conducted safely. Pavement classification number (PCN) A number expressing the bearing strength of a pavement for unrestricted operations by aircraft with ACN value less than or equal to the PCN. The load‐carrying capacity of a pavement can be expressed by a single unique number, without specifying a particular airplane or detailed information about the pavement structure. RPT Regular passenger transport Runway A defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take‐off of aircraft. Runway end safety area (RESA) An area symmetrical about the extended runway centre line and adjacent to the end of the strip primarily intended to reduce the risk of damage to an aeroplane undershooting or overrunning the runway. Subgrade The ACN‐PCN method adopts four standard levels of subgrade strength for rigid pavements and four levels of subgrade strength for flexible pavements. Subgrade Strength Category Subgrade Support CBR‐Value Represents Code Designation High 15 CBR > 13 A Medium 10 8 Taxiway A defined path established for the taxiing of aircraft and intended to provide a link between one part of the aerodrome from another. Threshold The beginning of that portion of the runway usable for landing. 14 Scone & Upper Hunter Airport – Strategic Plan 2014‐2019 TRIM‐INT‐4327/14 SCONE & UPPER HUNTER AIRPORT Bunnan Road, Scone. NSW 15 Scone & Upper Hunter Airport – Strategic Plan 2014‐2019 TRIM‐INT‐4327/14 All enquiries should be directed to: PO Box 208 SCONE NSW 2337 (02) 6540 1100 16 Scone & Upper Hunter Airport – Strategic Plan 2014‐2019 TRIM‐INT‐4327/14