Bega Valley Council is proving their commitment to maximising their tourism intake of visitors whilst also securing affordable ticket prices for their locals. Airlines will soon be able to land larger aircraft at Merimbula airport thanks to runway extension plans given the green light by the Southern Regional Planning Panel.
Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick said the approval starts a series of major civil works at the airport aimed at increasing visitor numbers to the shire.
“Securing the services of two major airlines (Rex and Qantas) was a big win for the area, and with Southern Regional Planning Panel approval, we can begin to fully maximise the potential of this upgraded facility,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.
“While attracting an additional airline was a fantastic milestone, we are currently limited by the size of aircraft our runway can accommodate.
“This approval allows us to progress a 120-metre extension at each end of the runway, meaning QantasLink will be able to land Q400 aircraft at Merimbula airport.
“Expanding seating capacity will naturally open doors for greater visitor numbers and increased investment in the shire.
“Upon completion of the runway extension works we will also proceed with the resurfacing of the entire runway and aprons to ensure a more consistent and smoother surface for airlines to use.”
The final phase of the project, currently underway, involves the strengthening and sealing of the runway and is scheduled to start January 31, 2022 with a full runway closure planned for six weeks.
Meanwhile in the Eurobodalla a local Council spokesperson has advised the Bay Post that "there were "no plans" to extend Runway 18/36 (the main runway)".
This runway is only 1,523 m long (while Merimbula will be 1,842 metres x 30 metres on completion allowing Q400's to service the region).
In Council's own Moruya Airport | Master Plan 2015 says:
"The Sydney-Moruya route is likely to remain below the current threshold for NSW regulated routes of 50,000 annual passengers for the next 30 years and therefore will continue to be operated by a single airline; and
"More optimistic growth scenarios by comparison with regional centres such as Port Macquarie suggest that regular operations by 50-70 seat turboprop aircraft might occur in the 10-20 year timeframe."
There will be a new independent low fare airline launched in Australia in 2022 offering more travel choices and more affordable air travel to destinations across the country from early next year.
Named Bonza, the airline will launch into service with the new, highly efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft, enabling passengers to fly at ultra-low prices while significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
According to the performance chart for the Boeing 737-800, at sea level under ISA conditions with a takeoff weight of 140,000lbs, the runway length requirement is 1510 metres.
It is understood that there have been backroom discussions around Council selling off the Moruya Airport. Maybe we need a private owner with a Can-Do attitude to open up a more competitive air service.
Above: Council's plans for Moruya Airport is to keep it short thereby restricting it to smaller commercial aircraft while subdividing the rest into private hangers and Airport homes for those who want to park a plane in their garage.
