New airport equipment storage area could go ahead with Busselton council approval of budget amendment

The Busselton Margaret River Airport could have a new storage area for ground handling equipment, if council approve amending a budget of $150,000, taking funds allocated for a new check-in desk and injector belt. An airport budget amendment for a new capital project is up for debate during the City of Busselton’s upcoming council meeting, with a request being made to transfer the funds to balance the books. The check-in desk and injector belt are both on hold due to planning requirements needed for structural changes to the terminal meaning it is no longer seen as a priority. The money would instead pay for a new aircraft handling equipment storage area to correct non-compliance findings from the Department of Home Affairs and Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Those rules state there should be a minimum of two metres from boundary fences required for all ground handling equipment, and concerns were raised about damage from parking equipment in gravel due to lack of space. The city officer’s comments state the planned area would eliminate constraints with the area expected to be next to the arrival’s terminal and store equipment away from the boundary fences and Busselton Aeroclub apron. If approved, construction is expected to be completed by September.