Airservices Australia has begun site preparation work for a temporary radar facility at Machans Beach south of Cairns.
The temporary radar at Machans Beach in Far North Queensland is being installed for use while Airservices upgrades the permanent Cairns Terminal Area Radar.
A transportable radar previously used in Sydney and Melbourne is being shipped to Cairns and will be used for up to 12 months while the upgrade is carried out. It consists of a 10 metre tall tower with primary and secondary radar mounted on top. Other facilities on site will include an equipment shelter the size of a shipping container, a small demountable office and power supply equipment.
The Machans Beach site, already owned by Airservices, was chosen to host the temporary radar because it is ideally located to accurately track aircraft approaching and departing Cairns Airport during the period the permanent radar is out of service. Other locations were considered but found to be technically unacceptable due to interference from buildings or the topography around Cairns Airport.
The only suitable location on the airport itself is occupied by the radar to be upgraded.
Airservices project manager Bruce Arnold said the $5.5m upgrade was part of a $80m nationwide infrastructure modernisation program to ensure the safe and efficient movement of air traffic in Australian airspace.
“Cairns Airport is a vital link and an essential part of the Queensland tourism industry,” Arnold said. “It’s imperative we ensure it continues to function safely and efficiently while this upgrade is carried out.”
Final approach into Runway 15 at Cairns Airport. (Darren Friend)
