Archerfield Takes Aim at Albanese

In a forceful step, the Archerfield Airport Chamber of Commerce Inc. (AACCI) has commenced proceedings in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) against Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese.

The action, instigated last Friday August 17, claims that the minister approved the Archerfield Airport Master Plan "without due regard for the interests of the airport users and the community as required by the Airports Act 1996." It also alleges Albanese dismissed the concerns of aviation stakeholders and local residents when he approved the plan.

Among several issues the AACCI has with the Master Plan, are the contentions that the plan will result in:

• Removal and/or forced closure of current aviation businesses, helipads, aircraft parking areas
• Shortening and realignment of the existing cross runway in a less favourable direction, (taking the most prevailing wind directions over time into consideration),
• Removal of the existing control tower without any provision in the Master Plan for its replacement,
• Removal of the current aviation fuel farm without any plans for its replacement and
• Reduce the area of land that may be used in the future for further aviation purposes 

The AACCI contends that the minister exceeded his powers under the Air Navigation Act 1937 (QLD) because the approved plan may result in a reduction of standards and capability at Archerfield, damaging air commerce in Queensland.

According to the claim, the AACCI is seeking relief in five ways.

1. Pursuant to section 41(2) of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 (AAT Act) pending the hearing of the review the decision be stayed.
2. The decision of the Minister be set aside.
3. A decision refusing to approve the Master Plan be substituted for the Minister’s decision.
4. In the alternative, the Minister is directed to take all relevant legislation and more specifically the Air Navigation Act 1937[Qld] (“ANA”) as well as the objections of all interested parties into consideration before making a final determination in respect of the approval of the Master Plan.
5. Such further and or alternative relief the Tribunal may find appropriate.

The date for the hearing is not yet known.