[Peetwo]

LGAQ sub 74; Sterlo Aviation Inquiry Final report; and AOPA YSBK update?? -   

Ref: https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...LGAQ-1.pdf

Ref: https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...signed.pdf (pg 92):

Support for airports

6.54 As noted in Chapter 3, the pandemic resulted in an unprecedented hit to the operations of Australia's major airports.

6.55 In response to COVID-19, the Australian Government introduced several measures intended to support airport operations, including the Domestic Airports Security Costs Support and ex-gratia land tax relief. Submitters largely welcomed this assistance. Both Queensland Airport Limited and the AAA argued that 'continuation of these programs for on-airport tenants would be useful'.62

6.56 However, participants were concerned that the majority of aviation support had been directed to airlines, rather than airports or other critical segments of the aviation supply chain. According to Queensland Airports, 'it is increasingly clear the Federal Government's support to the aviation industry during the pandemic has not adequately assisted airports'

6.57 The committee heard that Australian Government support 'was underwritten largely by airports absorbing their high fixed operating costs'.64 Councillor Rod Kendall from Wagga Wagga City Council, explained that revenue from aeronautical charges and other airport services are dependent on passenger numbers. He continued:

… the operational aspects of an airport have to continue whether or not air traffic is passing through that airport, and of course the income from that, particularly regular passenger transport, hasn't eventuated, largely, through COVID, and significant losses to those airports have occurred. because of it.65

6.58 Mr Peter Thomson, General Manager of Wagga Wagga City Council, advised that, as a result, Wagga Wagga Airport suffered a net loss of $1.083 million in 2020.66 The committee heard that the airport was in a particularly challenging situation. Current leasing arrangements have impeded Wagga Wagga City Council's ability to secure grant funding, make upgrades or improvements to the airport, and make the facility attractive to capital investment from the private sector.67

6.59 Airport representatives argued that government funding must be maintained until demand for travel recovers. Mr Rowe argued that recovery 'is still in its early stages and could take years', meaning 'funding support will continue to be required for an extended period'.68

6.60 Further, Mr Adrian Beresford-Wylie, Chief Executive of the Australian Local Government Association, argued more should be done 'for airports at a local level' as they 'are vital community assets'.69 He warned that council owned airports are going to 'face substantial costs going into the future, in terms of increasing operational costs'.70

6.61 The AAA identified a number of opportunities for the Australian Government to provide immediate and long-term support to the airport sector through an $835 million Airport Relief and Recovery Plan. It argued that 'an immediate focus
for airports must be on financial relief from government-mandated charges', while in the longer term 'a pathway to recovery must include strategic government investment in airports to make them economically, socially and environmentally sustainable'.71

6.62 The Government's Aviation Recovery Framework outlines a plan to 'reduce red tape and administrative burden, and promote greater flexibility for federally-leased airports as they emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic'. Specifically, the plan says the Government is working modernise regulations under the Airports Act 1996, which are 'due to sunset on 1 April 2024'.72

Finally via AOPA Oz on Facebook:

UPDATE ON THE DESTRUCTION OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE AT PRIVATISED AIRPORTS

AOPA Australia provides an update on the destruction of aviation infrastructure at Bankstown Airport YSSY, in Sydney NSW.

SHARE THIS VIDEO

AOPA Australia encourages everyone to share this video with your colleagues, friends and family, along with sending it directly to your local Member of Parliament and your State Senators.

MTF...P2 



AW - WTD? - once again 12 minutes of the Morgan torso and shirt front Ben - get your act together of stop embarrassing yourself, AOPA and this industry. Bloody amateurish . FDS!.