...................... things might change for the better at Emerald airport ?
John
Thank you for your email (attached) sent to Mayor, xxxxxx, on 4 March 2015. Cr Maguire has asked me to respond to the concerns outlined in your email.
Emerald Airport is a class 3 security airport and therefore security requirements are controlled by the Aviation Transport Security Regulations and the security level is set by the size and volume of Regular Public Transport aircraft using the airport. These regulations are enforced through the Office of Transport Security (OTS) and compliance to the regulations are routinely audited by OTS officers.
Council recognises the issue of the verbal password system in place, but it is routinely checked and audited by OTS for enforcement. As an improvement to the security system, Council is in the process of changing the two airside access pedestrian gates to operate with swipe passes. As work is completed we will undertake the process of changing over to the new control system. This of course will require the issue of proxy cards and associated paperwork to satisfy the OTS requirements. It will mean that all card holders will require a one off application, but the system provides unlimited access through the GA pedestrian gates 24/7. Holders of the old password should receive emails discussing the changes in the next week or so.
In regard to additional GA parking for light aircraft, work is scheduled for next month and located between the hangars and runway 15/33. This is the first step in upgrades through that GA area proposed for the longer term subject to budgetary constraints. Council is also presently undertaking work on priority projects associated with airfield lighting and runway 06/25 overlay.
Hangar space is limited at Emerald Airport with one space currently available. An Expression of Interest process will be undertaken shortly to offer this spare hangar space to interested parties. In addition, an area has been identified at the airport for additional hangars should pilots be interested in constructing their own on site.
Thank you for bringing the concerns in relation to Emerald Airport to the attention of Cr Maguire, and I trust that the above information provides clarification in regard to current improvements at Emerald Airport.
Regards
xxxxxx General Manager Commercial ServicesCentral Highlands Regional Council
Address | PO Box 21 | EMERALD QLD 4720
P 1300 242 686 D 07 4980 6386 F 1300 242 687
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