Airservices Australia has opened a new combined ATC tower and Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility in Broome, WA.
Officially opened by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, the $20 million multi purpose facility is the first of its kind in Australia and took 14 months to build. It is the first new tower Airservices has opened in 15 years.
Airservices Acting CEO, Andrew Clark, said the new facility would ensure safe management of air traffic in and around Broome Airport and provide the necessary emergency services.
“With a significant increase in aircraft movements in the north-west, this facility is a demonstration of our commitment to provide safe, efficient air traffic operations in the region well into the future,” he said.
“The new tower enhances safety and efficiency by providing controllers with better airfield views and more modern equipment. The fire station ensures our aviation fire fighters are better able to respond to any incident within minutes.”
The 16-metre-high air traffic control tower contains the latest air traffic surveillance and communications technology, including state-of-the-art touch screens for controllers.
A Fire Control Centre is located in an observation tower overlooking the airport and is equipped with the latest communications and monitoring technology. Two vehicle bays and a maintenance bay house three Rosenbauer Mk8 fire vehicles valued at $1 million each.