Runway extension plans released for public consultation

The $100 million redevelopment of the Hobart Airport has passed another significant milestone with the release of the draft Major Development Plan for public consultation for the 500 metre runway extension, which is on track to be completed by summer 2018.

The project is enabled through funding assistance of $38 million from the Australian Government, and an additional $2 million from Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd.

The release of the Major Development Plan for public consultation comes at the end of a thorough and diligent process that has involved many stakeholders including local and State Government as well as the nearby communities.

The draft Major Development Plan, (which is required under the Airports Act) will now be put to public consultation for a period of 60 working days and will then spend a further 50 working days with the Commonwealth Minister for approval.

Hobart Airport CEO Rod Parry said it is expected the construction tenders will be developed and put to the market post-Christmas 2015 with a successful tenderer being selected from this process following the approval for the Major Development Plan by the Minister.

“As we have always planned, it is expected works will commence on the runway extension during the second quarter of the 2016 calendar year with an expected completion date of summer 2018,” Mr Parry said.

“This exciting project will create new opportunities for Tasmania, by enabling new destinations to be reached non-stop. It will also provide an important piece of infrastructure for Hobart to become a more competitive Antarctic Gateway, an industry which injects more than $189 million into the Tasmanian economy each year.”

Mr Parry said as previously highlighted, building the longer runway would require a section of Surf Road, which runs parallel to Seven Mile Beach at the southern end of the airport, to be closed to vehicles, due to safety requirements and regulations.

Safety is an essential part of all aircraft operations and extending the runway closer to the road means the required distance between aircraft and vehicles will no longer exist.

“A new road, Grueber Ave will provide access to the Tasman Highway for the Seven Mile Beach community and will be operational prior to the closure of Surf Road,” Mr Parry said.

“A new pedestrian and cycle way will be constructed alongside the section of Surf Road that is to be closed, so that non-vehicular access can continue. We regret that we do need to close a section of Surf Road, however safety is our number one priority.”

The extension of the runway also means additional navigational lights will be placed in Barilla Bay and a sand dune near the southern end of the runway will also be lowered to allow for safe aircraft operations.

“Hobart Airport takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously and extensive studies have been undertaken to ensure these changes have minimal environmental impact,” Mr Parry said.

Construction works will be scheduled to minimise any disruption to airport operations, and flights will continue as normal. Updates on works and any impacts to our visitors will be placed on the airport’s website at www.hobartairport.com.au.

As many are aware, phase one of the $25 million redevelopment of the airport’s passenger terminal is continuing.

The terminal redevelopment will include a larger departure lounge, centralised areas for arrivals, international passenger processing areas, and a range of exciting new retail and dining spaces. We are looking forward to the opening of the new arrivals area mid next year.

“Hobart Airport contributes 731 jobs and $143 million into the state’s economy, and is a major partner for numerous businesses,” Mr Parry said.
Hobart Airport CEO Rod Parry