POSSIBLE AIRPORT CHANGES FOR PERTH

The Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire, like many members of the Perth community, has recently heard that changes to Jandakot Airport are being considered, including possible relocation of the airport further South of Perth.

In response to the articles in WA Newspapers, the Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Manager Planning & Regulatory Services sought a meeting with representatives of Ascot Capital Limited and Jandakot Airport Holdings Pty Ltd.

The Shire representatives wished to discuss the companies’ plans, to ascertain the potential impact that they may have on SJ residents.

The representatives stated that they believe the maximum capacity at the Jandakot site is 500,000 flight movements per year, which they predict will be reached within two years.

The company propose to relocate the Airport operations to a larger site, further from the Perth City Centre. This would allow the valuable Jandakot land area to be opened up to residential development.

The lease owners of the Jandakot land, Ascot Capital Limited, informed the Shire officers that they have confirmed an option on rural land in the Shire of Murray, which is adjacent to the Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire border.

The Shire’s concerns relating to this proposal are the possible impacts on the surrounding communities. With up to 800,000 flight movements/year predicted by 2025 (double the current volume) the noise from the flight movements, especially the circuit training regularly carried out, would negatively impact on the lifestyle of surrounding residents. The preservation of rural lands and agriculture in the southern parts of Serpentine Jarrahdale is also a crucial consideration, as major road infrastructure would be upgraded to service the airport, which would carve up valuable farming land.

Shire President Denyse Needham said “The Shire has discussed their concerns with the Minister for Planning & Infrastructure Alannah MacTiernan, the Minister for the Peel Norm Marlborough and the Chairman of the Peel Development Commission John Cowdell and voiced their strong opposition to the possible relocation of Jandakot Airport.”

“We need more information from the airport owners to enable us to plan for the future of our Shire. If this move is going to have adverse effects on our residents, we need to know about it so that we are in a position to oppose the proposal.”

“We have expressed the Shire’s concern with this proposal, which has not been strategically planned by the Department of Planning & Infrastructure or the Western Australian Planning Commission in any regional plans. The proposal would negatively impact on our community, so of course we have concerns.”