Gold Coast ILS reaches milestone with referral

The project to install an instrument landing system (ILS) at Gold Coast Airport has reached a significant milestone, following Airservices Australia’s referral of the ground works component associated with the installation to the federal Department of the Environment for assessment.

The referral is a key milestone of the project and allows industry and community members to provide feedback on the impact of ground works that will be required for the installation.

The Department will now accept public feedback on the referral for ground works under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conversation (EPBC) Act 1999.

Full community consultation on all aspects of the ILS installation, including construction, changes to flight paths and aircraft noise, will follow in the coming months as part of Gold Coast Airport’s Major Development Plan approval process. During this process, the airport and Airservices will provide detailed information on the ILS as well as holding public community consultation sessions.

Airservices Executive General Manager Safety, Environment and Assurance, Dr Rob Weaver said that Airservices remained committed to installing an ILS and was working closely with Gold Coast Airport on the project.

“The referral under the EPBC Act is the very first stage of the formal consultation process and we encourage Gold Coast residents to have their say on the ground works component,” Dr Weaver said.

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer David Collins said Gold Coast Airport management was extremely pleased to reach this important project milestone.

“Our dedicated team has a long-term commitment to the successful implementation of the ILS for the benefit of our passengers, airlines partners, local community and the tourism industry.

“When installed and operational, the ILS will greatly improve the ability of aircraft to land in adverse weather conditions.

“Gold Coast Airport remains committed to working with Airservices to ensure the continued progress of the project and the installation and operation of the ILS as soon as practicable,” Mr Collins said.