Driving outcomes through trust and respect

The devastating bushfires and crippling droughts currently in Australia highlight the importance and strategic significance of airports in this vast country. The extraordinary logistics and complex operations at airports during these times provide the platform to stage and support the rescue of people and property. Airports are an integral part of the wider chain of supply and connectivity for the country and community involving the provision of consumables and the transport of materials and equipment. Airports of all sizes have a massive stakeholder and community engagement, response and interaction task to manage – this presents an opportunity to gain support for growth and expansion by developing social capital to drive outcomes.

Airports accommodate varying combinations of emergency and aeromedical operators, airlines, air transport, recreational and general aviation users with a multifaceted and complex range of integrated infrastructure and facilities. The network of airports across major urban centres and regional areas constitute an integral part of Australia’s economic infrastructure and are critical in enabling broader economic performance. Regional airports are significant economic drivers for their communities and play vital roles enabling access to tourism, health, education and connectivity to rural and remote locations. However, regional airport owners/operators face significant challenges in maintaining their airports and are heavily dependent upon cross-subsidisation and limited resources. Why? Regional airports are not moneymaking ventures – they supply the wider community with a range of intangible benefits, are not passive assets such as boat ramps, must be actively managed and competently operated. Maintaining and operating airports to comply with regulation imposes significant financial impacts on the airport operator and increasing demand usually requires additional, capital intensive infrastructure.