Canberra Airport 2010 EnvironmentStrategyPreliminaryDraft-Sep09

Canberra Airport
Environment Strategy
Preliminary Draft - September 2009
Canberra Airport I Preliminary Draft Environment Strategy 2010 2
Table of contents
Chapter one I Overview .......................................................................................... 5
1.1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 5
1.2 Environmental Achievements ................................................................. 6
1.3 Future direction ....................................................................................... 7
1.4 Background .............................................................................................. 8
Chapter two I Legislation and Statutory Obligations ........................................ 14
2.1 Commonwealth Legislation................................................................... 14
2.2 Environmental Significant Areas ......................................................... 15
2.3 Environmental Sensitive Areas............................................................. 16
2.4 Environmental Approvals ..................................................................... 16
2.5 Major Development Plans..................................................................... 18
2.6 Consultation on this Strategy................................................................ 19
Chapter three I Environmental Management Framework ............................... 20
3.1 Environment Policy ............................................................................... 20
3.2 Environmental Management Framework ........................................... 21
3.3 Environmental objectives...................................................................... 22
3.4 Structure and responsibility of Canberra Airport ............................. 22
3.4.1 Board of Directors............................................................................ 23
3.4.2 Director of Planning......................................................................... 23
3.4.3 Environment & Sustainability Officer ............................................. 23
3.4.4 Environment and Planning Committee............................................ 23
3.4.5 Water Strategy Committee............................................................... 24
3.4.6 Environmental Site Management Committee.................................. 24
3.5 Environment Management System ...................................................... 24
3.6 Environmental Training and Development......................................... 26
3.7 Airport Tenants and Contractors......................................................... 26
3.8 Incident reporting and clean-up procedures....................................... 26
3.9 Environment Management Plan........................................................... 27
3.10 Environment Monitoring ...................................................................... 27
3.11 Environment Auditing........................................................................... 27
Chapter four I Environmental Action Plans ....................................................... 29
4.1 Environmental Action Plans .................................................................. 29
4.2 Air Quality and Ozone Depleting Substances ..................................... 36
4.3 Indigenous Heritage............................................................................... 40
4.4 European Heritage................................................................................. 42
4.5 On-Airport Noise ................................................................................... 45
4.6 Water Management ............................................................................... 48
4.6.1 Stormwater....................................................................................... 49
4.6.2 Groundwater .................................................................................... 49
4.6.3 Recycled Water................................................................................ 51
4.6.4 Trade Water Agreement................................................................... 51
4.7 Natural Resources.................................................................................. 53
4.7.1 Energy .............................................................................................. 54
4.7.2 Water................................................................................................ 54
4.7.3 Materials and Waste Management................................................... 56
4.7.4 Sustainable Transport....................................................................... 57
4.7.5 Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Airlines........................................... 57
4.8 Soil Pollution........................................................................................... 61
4.9 Hazardous Products............................................................................... 65

4.10 Land Management ................................................................................. 68
4.10.1 Natural Temperate Grassland .......................................................... 68
4.10.2 Grassland Earless Dragon ................................................................ 69
4.10.3 Golden Sun Moth............................................................................. 69
4.10.4 Perunga Grasshopper ....................................................................... 70
4.10.5 Proposed development ..................................................................... 70
4.10.6 Management Plan............................................................................. 70
4.10.7 Bird and Animal Hazard Management ............................................ 70
4.10.8 Landscaping plan ............................................................................. 71
4.11 Social and Community Engagement .................................................... 74
4.11.1 Noise Abatement Areas ................................................................... 75
4.11.2 Consultation ..................................................................................... 75
4.11.3 Public awareness.............................................................................. 75
4.11.4 Airport Metropolis Research............................................................ 76
4.11.5 Snow Foundation ............................................................................. 76
4.11.6 Economic involvement .................................................................... 76
4.11.7 Grassland Earless Dragon Research ................................................ 77
4.11.8 Golden Sun Moth Count Program ................................................... 77
Abbreviations ......................................................................................................... 79
Reference ................................................................................................................ 80
Chapter one I Overview

1.1 Introduction
The Canberra Airport 2010
Environment Strategy strengthens
Canberra Airport’s ongoing
commitment to manage and develop
the Airport in a safe and
environmentally sustainable way. This
is the third Environment Strategy for
Canberra Airport since privatisation in
1998 and complements and builds
upon Canberra Airport’s 2005
Environment Strategy and facilitates
the ongoing development of Canberra
Airport as a contemporary Airport.
This Environment Strategy supports

the main aims of Canberra Airport’s
2009 Master Plan, to ensure
infrastructure is ready for future
aviation growth, to generate economic
and employment growth and to meet
the travel and social needs of the
community, in an environmentally
sensitive manner.
Canberra Airport is at the forefront of

innovation in ecologically sustainable
built environment and has generally
applied the Green Building Council’s
Green Star principles and the National
Australian Built Environment Rating
System (NABERS) to developments
across the Airport. The introduction
of Trigeneration technology
(significantly reducing greenhouse gas
emissions) and water recycling
systems (reducing the Airport’s
reliance on potable water supply)
further demonstrates the Airport’s
commitment to innovation in
environmental sustainability.
Canberra Airport has continued to 1.2 Environmental

manage natural temperate grassland Achievements
and listed threatened species on-
Canberra Airport has investigated and
Airport in accordance with the
implemented a range of
Airport’s 2004 Grassland
environmental initiatives in the past
Management Plan. The ACT
five years. Major environmental,
Commissioner for Environment has
social and economic achievements
acknowledged (2009) that the
include:
grassland is well managed and is in
good condition.
• Implementation and annual
Canberra Airport is also increasing review of the Environment
the body of knowledge for the Management System, consistent
Grassland Earless Dragon and Golden with AS/NZS ISO14001:2004;
Sun Moth through ongoing
monitoring and joint venture studies • Implementation of the Green Star
with the University of Canberra. accreditation programme run by
the Green Building Council
The construction of the new terminal resulting in Australia’s first Green
and the upgrade and development of Star rated office building, and
other aviation infrastructure is achieving a 5 stars rating;
ongoing and is required to meet
aviation demand and ensure the • Installation of gas-powered
secure, safe and efficient management Trigeneration plants, producing
of the Airport. The construction will low-emission electricity and
also stimulate the local economy and capturing fugitive emissions to
provide much needed construction heat and cool buildings;
jobs. The world leading sustainable
designed terminal will also be a focal • Monitoring of greenhouse gas
entry point to the Nation’s Capital emissions from Canberra Airport
ensuring the travel and social needs of operations;
visitors and the community are met.
• Implementation of waste &
This Environment Strategy outlines stormwater recycling, reducing
Canberra Airport’s objectives to the demand on potable water
minimise environmental impacts supply;
during the implementation of
infrastructure upgrades and • Implementation of water
construction in response to the 2009 conservation initiatives, ensuring
Master Plan and details the ongoing ongoing compliance with local
high quality environmental ACTEW Water Restrictions;
management of the Airport. The
specific objectives outlined in this • Development of a Water
Environment Strategy will provide a Management Plan (February
framework to ensure that social, 2009) considering both the quality
economic and environmental goals and quantity of water, including
are reflected in the development and further stormwater detention and
everyday running of the Airport. re-use opportunities;
• Duplication of Pialligo Avenue • Ongoing review of aircraft ground

(joint venture with the ACT running guidelines in consultation
Government), reducing regional with operators and Air Traffic
and Airport traffic congestion; Control; and
• Extension and strengthening of • Role as a major economic driver

Runway 17/35 in 2006 to increase and the major public transport
capacity for wide bodied aircraft; gateway of the region, providing
employment opportunities
• Revitalisation of Fairbairn, by including growth for Aviation,
adaptive re-use of existing construction workers and new
buildings and developing the businesses on and off Airport.
precinct in a campus style manner;
• Contributing to the research for

the Grassland Earless Dragon by 1.3 Future direction
ongoing monitoring and joint This Environment Strategy builds
venture studies with the upon the 2005 Environment Strategy.
University of Canberra; Additional issues raised in this 2010
Environment Strategy include:
• Active participation in Friends of
the Grasslands and the University • Reducing energy consumption per
of Canberra Golden Sun Moth capita by investigating and
monitoring & research program; implementing energy reduction
technology, such as Trigeneration
• The planting of over 3,000 trees Plants and use of solar
and over 10,000 shrubs technologies;
beautifying, the Airport as the
gateway to the National Capital 1; • The monitoring of greenhouse gas
emissions from Canberra Airport
• Ongoing development and review operations;
of Safety, Security and
Environmental Procedures, to • The ongoing implementation of
protect and mitigate Canberra Airport’s February 2009
environmentally impacts; Water Management Plan, in
compliance with the Airport
• Incremental implementation of the (Environment Protection)
ACT Government’s “No Waste by Regulations 1997, which
2010” policy, receiving demonstrates all reasonable and
recognition by the ACT practicable measures are in place
Government with the 2005 Gold to ensure water quality on Airport
Award in its No Waste Awards and compliance with local
and inclusion in the ACTNow ACTEW Water Restrictions;
Waste Network;
• The ongoing development and
implementation of the Fairbairn
Heritage Management Plan,
1 It is noted that Canberra Airport reserves the right to remove managing the Fairbairn Precinct in
any tree or shrub on-Airport for development. The usual
processes of the Airport Building Controller will be complied
a culturally sensitive manner; and
with.
• Ongoing review and development Location

of management procedures Canberra Airport is located in the
(including approvals under the Majura Valley, eight kilometres east
EPBC Act) to ensure approved of Canberra’s central business district
infrastructure upgrades and and four kilometres north-west of
construction at Canberra Airport Queanbeyan. The location of the
mitigate the impact on listed Airport including Airport precincts
threatened species and the total and major runway, taxiway and road
environment including reducing systems is shown in Figure 1.1.
the demand on natural resources.
History
Prior to Airport operations
commencing at Majura in 1927, the
1.4 Background land formed part of the Limestone
Canberra Airport is the major public (treeless) Plains which was comprised
transport gateway to Australia’s mainly of natural temperate grassland.
National Capital and has an important
role in the transport of politicians, At that time a number of rural leases
dignitaries, government officials and had been granted by the
the Australian travelling public. Commonwealth Government
(following acquisition of former NSW
Canberra Airport hosted close to 3 freehold). The land had been used for
million passengers in 2008 and cropping and grazing of pastures.
passenger growth is expected to
continue as set out in the 2009 Master The Commonwealth began
Plan. developing the airfield from the
1930’s which included significant
In the next five years, there will be landplaning, regrading of contours
significant upgrades to aviation and changes to hydrology. Sand and
infrastructure in addition to the loam was also mined on Airport for
construction of the new Airport the construction of Runway 17/35 in
terminal. This is necessary to ensure the mid 1940s.
the secure, safe and efficient
management of future aviation A major earth formed water diversion
growth. bank was also constructed in the
1930’s to divert stormwater from the
The aim of this Environment Strategy north and east of Fairbairn to the
is to provide an environmental northern tip of Runway 17/35,
framework that will continue to significantly changing the hydrology
ensure that the development and of the northern part of the Airport.
ongoing management of the Airport is
conducted in an environmentally Similar works were undertaken by the
sustainable and accountable manner. Commonwealth Government in the
early 1970’s when the main Runway
17/35 was extended to the south of
the former Canberra-Queanbeyan
road, requiring the construction of the
current alignment of Pialligo Avenue,
which included further stormwater
diversion works.
Figure 1.1 Canberra Airport Location Map

In 1998, Canberra Airport Pty • Infrastructure: the Airport

Limited, a Canberra-based family (owner and manager), Airservices
business, acquired the lease of the Australia (provider of air traffic
aviation facilitates and infrastructure control, navigation aids and fire
on the current Canberra Airport site. fighting services), Australian
Federal Police, private security,
Canberra Airport (since its terminal maintenance, terminal
privatisation in 1998) has cleaning, telecommunications,
progressively upgraded and runway maintenance and a
constructed aviation infrastructure to mowing contractor;
meet the demands of users, safety and
security requirements and to improve • Air transport: Qantas,
efficiency. Qantaslink, Virgin Blue, Tiger
Airways, Brindabella Airlines,
These works included the extension RAAF SPA Fleet, General
of the main Runway 17/35 and Aviation and charter operators as
Taxiway Bravo to the south in 2006, well as airfreight (such as
which also included further Australian Air Express) and
stormwater detention and diversion courier companies.
works.
• Aviation support services: in-
Infrastructure and operations flight and terminal catering
The Airport has two runways: the suppliers, aircraft maintenance
main runway (Runway 17/35) is and operators of aircraft hangars
3,283 metres long after its most recent and fuel providers;
extension in 2006, while the
intersecting (or cross) runway • Retailing/Wholesaling: shopping
(Runway 12/30) is 1,679 metres long. centre, cafes, supermarkets, bulky
goods, wholesale, convenience,
The runways are supported by a service stations and terminal
taxiway system which provides access franchises (and other major and
to the aprons, each runway end and minor retail operators);
intermediate points along the
runways. The taxiway system and • Office: a range of public and
aprons will be progressively upgraded private sector office tenants; and
to improve the operational efficiency,
capacity and safety of the Airport in • Airport-related activities off-
response to aviation growth set out in airport site: this group of
the 2009 Master Plan. activities is more diverse, and
includes the Airport components
Airport businesses of taxi, bus and coach service
More than 180 businesses currently businesses, freight and aircraft
operate at Canberra Airport. These charter firms, limousine
largely fall into seven main general companies, booking agencies of
activities: the major airlines and air crew
transport, training and short-term
accommodation.
Figure 1.2 Canberra ‘H Plan’ Employment Location Strategy

Socio-economic impact In addition to permanent on-Airport

Since 1998, Canberra Airport has employment, over 100 local
invested over $600 million in construction firms have been involved
developing an Airport that is truly in the rebuilding of the Airport on an
worthy of the Nation’s Capital in a ongoing basis over the last ten years.
socially, economically, and In turn this has delivered ongoing
environmentally sustainable manner. employment for over 500 construction
workers onsite, with a further
Canberra Airport is located in the estimated 500-700 workers offsite.
East-West Transport Corridor defined
in the National Capital Plan and on The roads around the Airport have
the major East-West Employment experienced significant growth over
Corridor defined in the Canberra the last ten years and congestion due
Spatial Plan, which contains 70% of to their key location in the region and
Canberra’s Employment (see Figure overall regional population growth,
1.2). especially in Gungahlin and nearby
NSW.
In addition, the Airport is located on
the North-South Employment The Airport in partnership with the
Corridor running through the Majura ACT Government has duplicated the
Valley connecting the Airport, roads between the Airport and the
Fyshwick and Hume and intersecting city, including a grade-separated
the two East-West corridors described intersection access to and from the
above. new Airport terminal. These works
are all due for completion in 2009,
The development of the Airport’s with the exception of the extension of
precincts including office, retail and the Monaro Highway (See Figure
aviation support services responds to 1.3).
the increasing preference of
businesses to be located at or near the The Minister for Infrastructure,
Airport. This diversification of assets Transport, Regional Development and
also ensures the long term economic Local Government, the Hon Anthony
viability of the Airport. Albanese, officially launched the
construction of the Southern
The 2009 Master Plan forecast, Concourse of the Canberra Airport
expects that up to 25,000 people will Terminal on 7 April 2009.
be directly employed at Canberra
Airport by 2029/30, up from the The new $350m Airport terminal is
current 8,000 jobs currently located designed to create a ‘sense of arrival’
on-Airport. in the Nation’s Capital and to
showcase Canberra Airport’s
commitment to environmental
sustainability and to the social and
economic growth of the region.
Figure 1.3 Airport Roads upgrade

Chapter two I Legislation and Statutory

Obligations
2.1 Commonwealth
Legislation
The key pieces of legislation controlling
the environmental operations of the
Airport are the Airports Act 1996,
Airports (Environment Protection)
Regulations 1997 and the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Section 115 of the Airports Act1996

requires the operator of an airport to
prepare an Airport Environment
Strategy every five years with the
following purposes:
a) To ensure that all operations at the

airport are undertaken in accordance
with relevant environmental
legislation and standards; and
b) To establish a framework for

assessing compliance at the airport
with relevant environmental
legislation and standards; and
c) To promote the continual

improvement of environmental
management at the airport.
Section 116 of the Airports Act 1996

also states that the Environment
Strategy for an Airport must include:
• Environmental management
objectives for the airport;
• Identification of environmentally
significant areas;
• The source of environmental impact

associated with airport operations;
• Studies, reviews and monitoring Issues such as noise and air pollution
to be carried out in connection generated by aircraft movements are
with the environmental impact covered by the Air Services Act 1995,
associated with Airport operations Air Navigation (Aircraft Engine
including timeframes for Emissions) Regulations and Air
reporting; Navigation (Aircraft Noise)
Regulations. The Airport Master Plan
• The specific measures to be addresses off-Airport aircraft noise
carried out for the purpose of issues in detail.
preventing, controlling or
reducing the environmental Airport Environment Officer
impact associated with airport The Department of Infrastructure,
operations including timeframes Transport, Regional Development and
for completion; and Local Government (DITRDLG) has
appointed an Airport Environment
• Details for consultation Officer (AEO) who manages the
undertaken in preparing the administration of environmental
strategy (including outcomes). legislation at the Airport.
In addition to the Airports Act 1996, The Airport has monthly progress
the Airport (Environment Protection) meetings and works closely with the
Regulations 1997 states additional AEO to ensure environmental
matters are required to be specified in objectives and compliance with
the Environment Strategy, which statutory obligations are achieved.
include:
Annual Environment Report
• Identification of sites of The Airport is required to submit an
Indigenous significance after Annual Environment Report (AER) to
consultation with relevant the DITRDLG that details the
Indigenous communities and Airport’s performance against the
Commonwealth and State bodies; policies, targets and statutory
obligations as set out the Environment
• Environmental management for Strategy. The AER also includes the
areas of the airport that are, or Environment Site Register which is a
could be, used for the purpose that table of all reports, monitoring results,
is not connected, or directly remedial plans and any occurrences of
connected, with airport operations environmental significance at the
or aviation related development; Airport.
• Training necessary for appropriate

environment management by
airport employees. 2.2 Environmental
Significant Areas
The Environment Strategy also Canberra Airport has identified an
addresses the environmental issues environmental significant area, in
that might reasonably be expected to accordance with the Airports Act
be associated with the implementation 1996 and the Airport (Environment
of the Airport’s Master Plan and plans Protection) Regulations 1997. This
to prevent or elevate these includes:
environmental impacts.
• A conservation area north of the species on Airport (not affected

Runway 17/35 undershoot road by approved development.
(see Figure 2.1) containing natural
temperate grassland and listed These grasslands and potential habitat
threatened species, such as the are managed in accordance in with the
Grassland Earless Dragon and 2004 Grassland Management Plan, to
Golden Sun Moth (as discussed in be superseded with the Threatened
section 4.10). Species Management Plan, once
approved by DEWHA.
The Conservation Area will be
managed in accordance with a signed
Conservation Agreement with 2.4 Environmental
DEWHA in response to EPBC Act Approvals
approval conditions. Natural temperate grasslands of the
ACT and Southern Tablelands are
The installation of navigation aids and listed as an endangered ecological
lighting in the Conservation Area may community under the EPBC Act.
be required and have been assessed in Furthermore, the grasslands are
the February 2009 Referral (EPBC habitat for vulnerable and endangered
2009/4748). Therefore these works fauna such as Grassland Earless
are not subject to a Major Dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla)
Development Plan. and Golden Sun Moth (Synemon
plana). These are listed as
endangered and critically endangered
respectively under the EPBC Act.
2.3 Environmental
Sensitive Areas In December 2008, a referral was
Canberra Airport has identified approved with conditions by DEWHA
environmental sensitive areas on to construct the extension of Taxiway
Airport. This includes: Bravo to the north of Runway 17.
These works are expected to
• A potential Indigenous Heritage commence in 2010/2011. Refer to
site in the south-east corner of the Figure 2.1.
Glenora Precinct of the Airport
(as discussed in section 4.3). The 2009 Master Plan identified the
requirement to upgrade and construct
The potential Indigenous heritage site additional infrastructure to ensure
is unlikely to be affected by future aviation growth is managed in
development during the five year life a secure, safe and efficient manner.
of this Environment Strategy.
A Referral (EPBC 2009/4748) was
Procedures are in place (if required) submitted under the EPBC Act in
with the ACT Heritage Unit for the February 2009, after consultation with
assessment, relocation and recording the DITRDLG and DEWHA.
of Indigenous artefacts.
The referral includes upgrades and
• The balance of the natural construction of aviation infrastructure
temperate grassland and potential on natural temperate grassland and
habitat for listed threatened listed threatened species.
Figure 2.2 Conservation Area and approved developments (subject to

conditions) under the EPBC Act
Figure 2.1 shows the developments plan is expected to be approved prior

approved under the EPBC Act, to the lodgement of this Draft Airport
including the remaining natural Environment Strategy to the Minister
temperate grassland and potential in 2010.
Grassland Earless Dragon habitat.
The referral was first subject to 10 2.5 Major Development

business day of public consultation in Plans
February 2009 and a decision was The Airports Act1996 outlines certain
then made under the EPBC Act that triggers for the requirement of a
the proposed action is a controlled Major Development Plan (MDP) to
action and required assessment by be undertaken by the Airport. One of
Preliminary Documentation. these triggers is environmental
significance. The process is as
The Preliminary Documentation was follows:
subject to 20 business day public
consultation from 7 May to 3 June
• The Exposure Draft MDP is
2009. The Preliminary
supplied to the DITRDLG,
Documentation was amended to
DEWHA, CASA and Airservices
incorporate comments and advice
Australia for comment.
from conservation groups, recovery
teams and independent consultants.
• DEWHA also has a role in
confirming that the MDP process
The Preliminary Documentation was
is the appropriate process in
supplied to the Minister for
regard to environmental impacts.
Environment, Water, Heritage and the
If DEWHA agrees with the
Arts on 26 June 2009 for assessment
process then the MDP proceeds
and decision. Part of the
to draft. If DEWHA requires a
documentation supplied to the
referral then there will be a
Minister with Preliminary
parallel process of the MDP with
Documentation was a Consultation
the EPBC Act.
Report which outlined the
consultation process and provides
copies of all submissions and how the • Preliminary Draft MDP is open
Airport has had due regard to public to public consultation for 60
comments and submissions. business days. The Referral, if
required, is open to consultation
All works will be conducted in pursuant to the decision by
accordance with the approved DEWHA.
referral, preliminary documentation
and outcome conditions. • The Draft MDP is supplied to the
Minister for approval. Part of the
Canberra Airport manages the documentation supplied to the
grassland and listed threatened Minister with the Draft MDP is a
species in accordance with the 2004 Consultation Report which
Grassland Management Plan which outlines the consultation process
will be updated by the Threatened and provides copies of all
Species Management Plan in response submissions and how the Airport
to referral (EPBC 2009/4748) has had due regard to public
conditions. This revised and renamed comments and submissions.
2.6 Consultation on this Copies of the Preliminary Draft

Strategy Environment Strategy are available
free of charge on the Canberra Airport
Canberra Airport has conducted pre-
website and copies are given to
consultation on the Preliminary Draft
relevant Government agencies, major
2010 Environment Strategy with
stakeholder, local environmental
Airport tenants and lessees.
groups and Airport tenants during the
public consultation process. Hard and
DITRDLG and DEWHA have
electronic copies of the Preliminary
provided comment on the Exposure
Draft Environment Strategies will
Draft 2010 Environment Strategy and
also be available at the local library
their comments have been
and for purchase at the Canberra
incorporated in this Preliminary Draft.
Airport reception.
The Preliminary Draft Environment
Submissions received will be
Strategy has been advertised in the
reviewed and due regard given to the
Canberra Times and Chronicles
submissions prior to submitting the
advising that the 60 business day
Draft Environment Strategy to the
public consultation period
Minister for Infrastructure for
commenced on the 29 September
approval.
2009 and comments to be received by
5pm on 23 December 2009.
Tenants and lessees will be given a
copy of the approved 2010 Airport
Environment Strategy.
Chapter three I Environmental Management

Framework
3.1 Environment Policy
The Airport Board of Directors has
established and endorsed the following
Environmental Policy:
• Leadership and promotion of the

commitment to sustainable
environmental management to all
stakeholders including employees,
tenants, adjacent landholders and
the community at large;
• Compliance with relevant

environmental legislation;
• Continual improvement of
environmental management,
consequences and activities;
• Identification, prevention, control

and minimisation of environmental
performance impacts associated
with Airport operations;
• Integration of environmental issues

with Airport Operations Plans;
• Measurement, monitoring,
reporting and improvement of
environmental issues arising from
Airport operations;
• Sustainable management of
resources;
• Appropriate management of
matters of natural, Indigenous or
heritage values;
• Contribution to research on natural

temperate grasslands and
associated endangered species; and
• Broad consultation with the

community, government agencies and
other major stakeholders.
3.2 Environmental
Management
Framework
The Environmental Management Individual components of the

Framework at Canberra Airport is environmental management
based on a system of continuous framework are updated as required to
learning and improvement as ensure consistency with regulations
summarised in Figure 3.1 and 3.3. and evolving best practice standards.
Figure 3.1 – Integration of operational and environmental activities at the

Airport
Capital Airport Group
Board of Directors Managing Director
Director Planning
Environment Policy
DEWHA Environment &

Sustainability
Environment Strategy
Officer
Master Plan
DITRDLG
Environment &
Environment Management Planning
AEO System Committee
Canberra Airport Environmental Independent Standard

Standard Operating Actions Plans Management Plans Construction
Procedures (Refer to - Water Environmental
Section 4) - Threatened Management Plan
species
- Wildlife
- Engine run-up
Monitoring and reporting

(Including annual environment report)
Review and improvements

3.3 Environmental Progress towards achieving the above

objectives objectives is constantly under review
The Airport’s environmental and reported annually to DITRDLG.
objectives derive from its
Environment Policy and provide the
basis for its environmental 3.4 Structure and
management. The objectives are to: responsibility of
Canberra Airport
• Maintain a systematic approach to
Environmental management at the
environmental management
Airport is the responsibility of
consistent with evolving best
Canberra Airport. The delegation of
practice and international
responsibility is shown in Figure 3.2
standards and promoting
and described below.
continuous improvement;
• Review and continuously improve

3.2 Structure and responsibility at
environmental management by:
Canberra Airport
o Adopting environmental Board of Directors
best practice;
o Demonstrating new
environmental initiatives;
o Sustainable natural Managing Director

resource use including
waste minimisation and
emission reduction;
o Monitoring and
responding to changing Director Planning
Australian Legislation and
practices;
o Conforming with relevant

Australian and Environment &
international standards; Sustainability
Officer
o Mitigating impact on
natural, Indigenous and
heritage values; and
Environment and
o Disseminating strategy Canberra Airport Planning
information to sub-lessees, Employees Committee
airport users, major
stakeholders and the local
community.
3.4.1 Board of Directors • Co- management of consultation

The Board of Directors is responsible meeting with ACT Government
for: agencies, other major stakeholders
and the public with the
• Providing the financial, personnel Environment & Sustainability
and technological resources to Officer.
successfully implement the
Environment Strategy;
3.4.3 Environment &
• Periodic performance reviews of Sustainability Officer
the Environment Policy and The Environment & Sustainability
Strategy; and Officer is responsible for:
• Providing leadership on future • Ensuring the environmental

environmental sustainability requirements of DITRDLG and
initiatives. DEWHA are met;
• Ensuring the Airport’s actions are

3.4.2 Director of Planning consistent with the Environment
The Director of Planning is Strategy;
responsible for:
• Developing, implementing and
• Monitoring the performance of monitoring compliance with the
Canberra Airport with respect to Environment Management System
the Environmental Policy and the (EMS);
objectives and performance of the
Environment Strategy and • Preparation of reports detailing
advising the Board of trends and the Airport’s environmental
performance; performance;
• Facilitating the Boards • Co- management of consultation

commitment to sustainable meeting with ACT Government
development; agencies, other major stakeholders
and the public with the Director of
• Ensuring that the Airport Planning; and
employees including managers are
aware of their responsibilities • Investigate new environmental
under Canberra Airport’s practices and principles.
Environment Policy and
Strategies;
3.4.4 Environment and
• Ensuring the Airport Environment Planning Committee
Strategy is implemented; The specific duties of the Committee
include:
• Providing strategic advice to the
Board on environmental • Establishing procedures and
performance and continual standards to ensure effective
improvement; and delivery of policies;
• Manage Airport environmental 3.4.6 Environmental Site

impacts and full compliance with Management
all applicable environmental Committee
obligations; The Committee which includes
Airport Project Managers operates to:
• An annual review of objectives
and targets; • Ensure that the Standard
Construction Environment
• review and provide staff education Management Plan (CEMP) is
and training; implemented and remains relevant
and effective;
• A review of tenant leases,
operating permits and other • Ensure the impact on the
agreements to ensure compliance environment is minimised; and
with Airport environment
programs and; • Research and identify further
initiatives to reduce natural
• Monitoring of management and resource usage.
tenant actions in response to
performance deficiencies.
3.5 Environment
3.4.5 Water Strategy
Management System
Committee
The EMS which has been established
The Committee which includes
in accordance with AS/NZS
Airport Project Managers, Property
ISO14001:2004, is the Airport’s
Management and contractors,
means to ensuring all future
operates to:
development and operations are
carried out according to industry best
• Monitor and review water
practice though a system of continual
consumption;
improvement. It provides staff and
external contractors with detailed
• Reduce potable and non-potable guidance in relation to environmental
water consumption; systems and procedures at Canberra
Airport.
• Research and identify additional
water saving initiatives; The EMS is more than this single
document; it provides an overarching
• Form a cooperative relationship framework for managing
with Airport staff and contractors environmental impacts at the airport,
to ensure water conservation environmental procedures, risk
initiatives are successfully assessment, incident and hazard
implemented; and reporting, staff and contractor training
and general day-to-day
• Regularly consult with ACTEW responsibilities of staff. The EMS is
to ensure compliance with water the basis for a culture of ecologically
restrictions. sustainable working practices
amongst Canberra Airport staff,
tenants and contractors.
Figure 3.3 shows the cycle of Canberra Airport, and ensures the
continual improvement embodied in policies and procedures outlined in
the EMS. This continuous cycle of the EMS remain as effective and
planning, implementation, checking, efficient as possible.
and review allows the EMS to
respond to the changing situation at
Figure 3.3 The cycle of continuous improvement embedded in the EMS

3.6 Environmental Training including the Green Star

and Development Accreditation program.
All Capital Airport Group employees
are required to understand the The Airport Environment and
Environment Policy as part of Sustainability Officer is also
operational and environmental undertaking a Post Graduate Degree
awareness training. The Airport’s in Environmental Science to broaden
Environment Policy and Environment the Airports knowledge on
Strategy are discussed during the environmental issues, such as, natural
workplace induction process and resources, listed threatened species
employees are required to report and environmental policy.
environmental matters to the Airport’s
Environment & Sustainability Officer.
Performance reviews are used to 3.7 Airport Tenants and

determine the necessary training for Contractors
all staff. Environmental training Tenants and contractors are
includes induction training for responsible for the environmental
employees and contractors as well as management of their own activities
other job-specific environmental and are encouraged to develop and
training as required. maintain their own EMS in
accordance with AS/NZS ISO
Operational staff, undergo training in 14001:2004.
their specific areas of duty, including
the use of equipment and emergency Canberra Airport works with tenants
procedures. Ground and operations and contractors at the Airport to
staff and plumber have implemented a ensure environmental management
stormwater swale and outlet procedures are in place to meet the
inspection program and report any requirements of the Airport
visible anomalies such as excess (Environment Protection) Regulations
flows, turbidity or oil and grease. 1997 and to ensure best practice
Such incidents are immediately procedures and timely outcomes.
investigated.
Training is also provided on bird

identification as part of the Bird 3.8 Incident reporting and
Hazard Management Plan and on clean-up procedures
weed identification so that control Standard Operating Procedures
measures are targeted appropriately. (SOPs) are in place for hazardous
Canberra Airport aims to encourage material incidents and handling of
all staff, tenant and contractors to unknown substances. The Standard
participate in environmental training Contractors Safety, Security and
so that there is grass roots awareness Environment Procedures which
and commitment to the incorporates the Standard CEMP are
implementation of the Environment also in place to mitigate
Strategy through the EMS. As environmental impacts during
required, staff and contractors attend construction including procedures for
Green Building training courses, cleanup and incident reporting.
Canberra Airport encourages its staff contractor and approved by the

and contractors to maintain ongoing Airport Environment Officer, forms
vigilance of aircraft and ground the basis of environmental
service equipment. Airport staff are management during the planning and
required to report any environmental construction of a project.
issues including hazards and/or
incidents to the Airport’s
Environment & Sustainability Officer.
3.10 Environment
All airside vehicles are required to Monitoring
provide proof of annual maintenance All studies and monitoring are
checks to Canberra Airport. This designed and undertaken by persons
continues to have a positive impact on with qualifications and experience
reducing oil, fuel and hydraulic fuel relevant to the subject of the
spills from ground-based equipment particular study or monitoring being
and vehicles. conducted. Qualifications and
experience are consistent with
Environmental Incident Report forms legislated requirements where these
are completed in the event of any exist.
environmental incident and hazard
identification on-Airport. These are Studies and monitoring are conducted
received by the Environment & in accordance with the relevant
Sustainability Officer, who manages Australian Standards and applicable
the investigation and appropriate legislation. Where standards and
response, as well as entering the legislation are not identified, the
incident into the Airport’s Incident professional judgement of the
Reporting database. appropriately qualified and
experienced person will form the
The Environment Incident Report basis of testing, measuring and
Form is supplied to the AEO and the sampling programs.
incident report is included in the
AER.
3.11 Environment Auditing

3.9 Environment Internal audits of the EMS are
conducted annually as part of the
Management Plan review necessary for the preparation
Canberra Airport’s Standard CEMP of the AER. The purpose of the audits
fulfils the requirements of the Airport is to verify that:
(Environment Protection) Regulations
1997 and Environmental Management • Environment Management
Systems: Guidelines (NSW Procedures are being developed
Government, 1998), and is consistent and implemented;
with the aims and practices required
under the Green Star Certification • Procedures have been established
Scheme. to monitor and control
environmental issues;
The CEMP, in conjunction with the
project-specific Erosion and Sediment
Control Plan provided by the
• Documentation and records are (Environment Protection)

maintained to demonstrate Regulations 1997; and
implementation of EMS; and
• Ensure environmental
• Environmental issues are being management procedures are in
effectively managed through the place.
application of the EMS.
Canberra Airport staff have a
Tenant audits are conducted cooperative relationship with tenants
biennially to ensure that tenants: and conduct regular inspections,
ensuring environmental measures are
• Understand the Airport’s implemented and environmental
Environment Policy and Strategy; incidents are promptly reported.
• Understand their responsibilities

in response the Airport
Chapter four I Environmental Action Plans

4.1 Environmental Action
Plans
Environmental Action Plans have been
developed by the Airport in the
following way to:
• Provide an overview of current

ongoing management practices for
each environmental issue;
• Review and amend the objectives of

the Environment Strategy for each
environmental issue, where
necessary;
• Review and establish an action plan

for each issue which contributes to
the sustainable management of the
airport environment; and
• Identify monitoring and

measurement programs, where
necessary, to allow for reporting of
the environmental issues in the
future;
• Priority for completion for each

objective has been categorised in
each action plan as follows:
o O– Ongoing through
implementation of Airport
Environment Strategy period
o S – Short term, first two

years of Airport
o M – Medium term, third to

fourth year of Airport
o L - Long term, fifth year of

Airport Environment
Strategy period or beyond
Table 4.1 summarises the Environment Strategy. Table 4.1 also

environmental objectives of the 2005 comments on the achievements,
approved Airport Environment additions or changes to the objectives
Strategy, and those changes proposed between the 2005 and 2010 strategies.
in the Preliminary Draft 2010
Table 4.1 Environmental Objectives of the 2005 and 2010 Environment

Strategies
2005 Objectives 2010 Objectives Improvements and comments
Environment Management System
EMS provides an overarching framework for
Develop EMS the management of environmental impacts at
Continue implementation
consistent with the Airport and a culture of continuous
and review of EMS
ISO14001:2004 improvement in environment and sustainability
work practices
Air Quality
All results are consistently below relevant
Monitor air quality Monitor air quality every 5
standards and consistent with ACT air quality
every 2.5 years years
results
Increased efficiency and awareness of
Continue to reduce
Not included in 2005 greenhouse gas emissions from airside
emissions from airside
AES vehicle and equipment, including replacement
vehicles and equipment
with new age technologies
Upgrade equipment to
With the exception of R22, all Ozone
meet contemporary
Depleting Substances (ODS) have been
emission standards No change
phased out. R22 is a commonly used
(including ozone and
refrigerant in split air-conditioning systems
greenhouse gas)
Implementation of CEMP is ongoing and has
Implementation of
No change been successful in reducing dust and
CEMP
emissions
Continue to promote
Not included in 2005 sustainable transport
Increase in bus services to all Airport locations
AES options for Airport users
and tenants
Continue to assist Airlines Supporting ongoing implementation of CDA,
Not included in 2005 to reduce fuel burn and SIDS, STARS, RNP and GPS flight path
AES greenhouse gas procedures by Airservices Australia and the
emissions Airlines at Canberra Airport.
Memorandum of
understanding (MOU)
Not included in 2005 MOU in place and regular notification of
between ARFF and
AES emissions of dark smoke training by ARFF
DITRDLG regarding Dark
Smoke Emissions
Indigenous Heritage
Record and relocate
archaeological Archaeological assessment not required to
artefacts found in date as site has not been developed and
No change
south east corner of unlikely to be developed within the 5 year
airport prior to period
development
Report, record and All potentially archaeological sensitive sites
relocate any west of the Airport have been surveyed by the
archaeological No change RAO’s and qualified archaeological
artefacts found during consultants. No artefacts have been located
construction during construction

Strategies (Continued)
European Heritage
The Fairbairn Heritage Management Plan has
Liaise with DITRDLG Implement Fairbairn undergone public consultation prior to this
and NCA to develop Heritage Management Preliminary Draft Environment Strategy
Heritage Management Plan and continue liaison consultation period. The Plan provides
Plan by 2006 with DEWHA management policies for the development of
Fairbairn
On-Airport Noise
Ongoing implementation Implementation and constant review of Engine
Development of on- of Engine Ground Ground Running Guidelines and CEMP has
Airport Noise Strategy Running Guidelines and reduced the number of on Airport noise
CEMP complaints
Reduction in noise of airside equipment and
Continue to reduce noise
Not included in 2005 vehicles through regular servicing and
from airside vehicles and
AES reporting and replacement with new age
equipment
technologies
Continued
implementation of
Implementation of initiatives successful in
initiatives e.g.
No change reducing aircraft and road noise impacts on
mounding and
and off Airport
landscaping to reduce
noise impacts
Monitoring of noise
complaints and
C130J run-up noise monitoring conducted to
conduct noise
ensure new Airport activity (Aircraft
monitoring if No change
maintenance) was not impacting on nearby
significant increase in
residents
on- Airport noise
complaints
Water Management
Water quality monitoring Stormwater and groundwater monitoring sites
Stormwater and
to be undertaken in added or updated to improve analysis of
groundwater
accordance with the monitoring results
monitoring
Water Management Plan. Recycled water added to monitoring regime
Development of Water Management Plan,
approved February 2009, builds upon and
Development and Implementation and supersedes the 2005 Stormwater
implementation of ongoing review of the Management Plan. Plan more comprehensive
Stormwater Strategy Water Management Plan and demonstrates compliance under
Regulation 4.01 of the Airport (Environment
Protection) Regulations 1997.
Investigate
Site assessed in 2006 and no contamination
contaminated plume Removed from 2010
was present. Removed from Environment
under southern end of commitments
Strategy commitments
Airport
Development of Adoption of local ACTEW
Local standard adopted for trade waste and
Waste Water standard trade waste
recycled water monitoring
Discharge Policy agreements

Natural Resources
Apply Green Building Continued improvement in efficiency of new
Council Green Star No change buildings. First 5 Green Star building in
Principles Australia
Improve water and
energy efficiency by
Installation of water recycling and
adapting new No change
Trigeneration plants
technology, recycling
and reuse
Monitoring of energy and Regular monitoring continues to identify
Not included in 2005
water efficiency in all new opportunities for operational improvement to
AES
buildings efficiency
Report greenhouse gas Monitor greenhouse gas emissions annually.

emissions from Canberra
AES
Airport operations Reporting under NGER is not required
Introduction of two water recycling plants and

No change additional stormwater storage tanks
Improve water
efficiency
Continued compliance with ACTEW Water
Restrictions
Airport has won two ACTNow Waste Awards,
Reduce, reuse and Gold and Silver
No change.
recycle Twin bin system in office park continues to
encourage recycling
Recycled products used in new buildings
Expand reuse
(subject to building regulations)
opportunities in No change
construction Adaptive reuse of buildings at Fairbairn
(subject to building regulations)
Record construction Contractors report on waste generated and
No change
waste resulted in reduction of waste to landfill
Develop Plastic Bag Continued implementation Airport staff are provided with calico bags and
Policy of Plastic Bag Policy biodegradable bags are used in waste bins
Continue to promote Contribution to Pialligo Avenue duplication
sustainable transport including bike paths.
Monitor ground options for Airport users Lobbying successful for ACTION bus service
transport and tenants Additional bike facilities
Providing facilities for regional bus services
Subsidisation of Deane’s Airliner Service
Continue to assist Airlines
Not included in 2005 to reduce fuel burn and Implementation of CDA, SIDS, STARS and
AES greenhouse gas RNP at Canberra Airport.
emissions

Soil Pollution
No change The Contaminated and Groundwater Site
Maintain Registers have been updated and provides an
Contaminated Site Maintain Groundwater overview of groundwater quality and any
Register Site Register remediation undertaken or still required on
Airport
Groundwater monitoring Additional groundwater monitoring wells have
Undertake
undertaken in accordance been installed to provide baseline testing and
groundwater
with Water Management to monitor and assess contamination and
monitoring
Plan groundwater water flow directions
Soil testing has been useful in identifying and
Soil testing after lease
No change remediating sites in a efficient and timely
expiry
manner
Ongoing education, Prompt reporting of incidents and cleanup
Not included in 2005 training of staff and procedures
AES review of mitigation
measures
Hazardous Products
Review and update MSDS and hazardous waste information
hazardous waste No change updated as required in accordance with
disposal information relevant ACT Regulations
Remove asbestos
Asbestos removal ongoing in accordance with
where physically and No change
Asbestos Control Management Plan
commercially feasible
Monitor, clean up and
Incident and clean-up procedures and
report environmental
No change reporting successful in reducing hazardous
incidents and educate
substance loss to stormwater
staff and tenants
Review procedures in
Incident and clean-up procedures reviewed in
response to outcomes
No change response to outcomes from exercise and
from exercises and
incidents
incidents
Continue education of
staff and tenants on
leading best practice Continued education of staff and tenants
risk minimisation, No change successful in reducing hazardous substance
including spill loss to stormwater
response and
chemical handling
Substitute hazardous
Cleaning products substituted with
products with non-
No change biodegradable products. Tenants also
hazardous
undertaking own initiatives
alternatives

Land Management
Manage the natural
Manage Natural Grassland on Airport is in good condition.
values on Airport in
Temperate Grassland Grassland and threatened listed species will
accordance with the
and listed threatened be managed in accordance with Threatened
Threatened Species
species on Airport Species Management Plan.
Management Plan
Not included in 2005 Development of the The 2004 Grassland Management Plan to be
AES Threatened Species updated to include outcomes of EPBC Act
Management Plan referrals and research
Not included in 2005 Comply with approval and
Comply with conditions of approvals under the
AES conditions under the
EPBC Act
EPBC Act
Grassland surveys to be
Natural Temperate undertaken every five Grassland surveys postponed due to recent
Grassland and listed years in accordance with ongoing drought which hindered the flowering
threatened species the accepted survey and identification of sensitive species. Survey
monitoring standards and conducted in 2008/2009
methodology
Grassland Earless
Dragon surveys to be
undertaken every two
AES GED surveys undertaken in 2007, 2008 and
years in accordance with
2009. No GED found
the accepted survey
standards and
methodology
Golden Sun Moth surveys
to be undertaken every
two years in accordance
AES GSM surveys undertaken in 2006 and 2007.
with the accepted survey
standards and
methodology
Annual weed spraying in areas of high quality
grassland (weather dependent)
Weed management will Cables placed in conduits to minimise soil
be undertaken in disturbance
Weed management accordance with the Mowing machinery is cleaned to minimise
Threatened Species weed transfer
Management Plan Mowing of grassland from highest to lowest
quality reducing weeds spreading
Ongoing research on best practice
Review and update Management Plans reviewed annually
Bird & Animal
Same. Implementation of Re-seeding protocol has reduced bird activity
Hazards and Wildlife
re-seeding protocol.
Hazards Management
Plan Ongoing monitoring of bird and animal activity
Landscape Master
No change Enhancement of the parkland design
Plan
Retention of high Rehabilitation and Translocation was conducted in September
quality grassland, remediation works will be 2005 (Permit No.E2005-58339)
enhancement and conducted in response to High quality grassland managed in
revegetation of lower the Threatened Species accordance with the Threatened Species
quality areas Management Plan Management Plan
Implementation of
Grassland Earless The GED protocol was successful in locating 8
No change
Dragon (GED) GED during runway works in 2001
Protocol

Investigation of Supporting the University of Canberra Golden
Provide information and in
mowing heights to Sun Moth Counter program to obtain
kind support for GSM
benefit Golden Sun information on standardised monitoring
research
Moth (GSM) protocols and definition of GSM habitat
Social and Community Engagement
AES advertised and AES available free of charge on Airport
made available to No change website and hardcopy and CD available for
public purchase at Airport reception
Airport website recently updated to include an
Update Airport
No change overview of environment and sustainable
website
initiatives on Airport
Increased awareness of environmental issues
on Airport. Tenants implementing their own
Formal and informal environmental initiatives
liaison with airlines,
aviation operators, No change Tenant audits
tenants and local Noise and communication forums ongoing
community
Public consultations as required under the
Airports Act
Funding has been provided to the University of
Funding and information Canberra for a Post Doctorate Research
Not included in 2005 sharing to build the body Fellowship for GED research
AES of knowledge for Data and additional monitoring has also been
threatened listed species contributed for the GED and GSM research
projects
Opens days and tours have been held to
increase the awareness of Airport Operations
and environmental initiatives on Airport
Provide opportunities for Grassland Earless Dragon ceramic located in

the community to learn foyer at Brindabella Business Park to educate
AES
about the Airport tenants and visitors
Monthly (by appointment) consultation

meetings with the Environment and Planning
committee
4.2 Air Quality and Ozone Depleting Substances
Objective
To maintain an overview of air quality
at Canberra Airport and in the context
of the ACT and to minimise Airport
Operation impact on air emissions.
Overview
The maintenance of good air quality at
Canberra Airport is important for the
well being of Airport users and workers
as well as the surrounding community.
Air quality monitoring at Canberra
Airport shows results well below the
National Environmental Protection
Measures (NEPM), Ambient Air
Quality guidelines.
The sources of air emissions at the

Airport can be generally categorised as
follows:
• Aircraft related including emissions

from Auxiliary Power Units (APU)
and Ground Power Units (GPU)
(hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, lead
and particulates. The Airport
(Environment Protection)
Regulations 1997 (and therefore this
Environment Strategy) do not apply
to air pollution generated by aircraft
movements. Aircraft emissions are
covered by the Air Services Act
1995 and Air Navigation (Aircraft
Engine Emissions) Regulations.
However Air Quality Monitoring
conducted by the Airport captures
all gases including Aircraft
emissions;
• Ground transport related i.e. motor

vehicles and ground equipment.
(nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides,
particulates, carbon monoxide, lead
and hydrocarbons);
• Airport industry (e.g. solvents from

aircraft maintenance) and any other
on-Airport industrial activities;
• Dark Smoke emissions from fire contribution by Canberra Airport) will

training activities; significantly reduce traffic congestion
and therefore local air emissions from
• Ozone Depleting Substances (e.g. vehicles.
refrigerants);
Canberra Airport’s Sustainable
• Dust from construction activities Ground Transport Policy, currently
(e.g. particulates); and includes subsidising the Airliner Bus
service, assisting ACTION bus route
• Emissions from the production of growth and promoting growth in
electricity (e.g. Trigeneration). bicycle use and facilities, and
provides Airport users and tenants
The Airport supports the airlines with sustainable transport options.
renewing their aircraft fleet over time
with new generation aircraft. The Aviation Rescue and Fire
Australian airlines have some of the Fighting (ARFF) Service are required
most modern aircraft fleets in the to conduct “hot fire training” to
world, resulting in lower noise and ensure ARFF staff are trained to
emissions. respond to Airport emergencies in a
timely and efficient manner. A Dark
Airservices Australia, as the manager Smoke Agreement has been signed
of aircraft flight paths in Australia, between Airservices Australia (who is
continues to work with the airlines, responsible for ARFF Services) and
Bureau of Metrology, airports and the DITRDGL. The Dark Smoke
Australian community to achieve Agreement monitors the conditions
greater aircraft efficiencies. under which hot fire training occurs
and allows ARFF to exceed standards
Constant Descent Approach (CDA), set out in the Airport (Environment
Standard Instrument Departures Protection) Regulations 1997.
(SIDS) and Standard Terminal Arrival
Routes (STARS), Required A CEMP is required for all
Navigation Performance (RNP) developments on Airport. The CEMP
approaches and departures are some addresses air quality issues including
of the environmental initiatives that excessive exhaust emissions from
have been introduced by Airservices construction machinery and airborne
Australia at Canberra Airport over the dust. Contractors are required to
past five (5) years which have submit evidence of vehicle servicing
resulted in lower noise and emissions. to ensure equipment is running
efficiently and fumes are minimised.
Emissions from motor vehicles are Gravel or recycled material is placed
the major source of pollution in the at locations which experience heavy
ACT. Canberra Airport requires vehicle traffic and ground watering,
evidence of regular servicing and using non-potable water, is used for
maintenance of airside vehicles and dust suppression.
equipment prior to annual Airside
licence and registration renewals. The only Ozone Depleting Substance
(ODS) on the Airport’s Refrigerant
The duplication of Pialligo Avenue Register is R22 which is commonly
and road upgrades in the Majura used in air conditioning split unit
Valley (which included financial systems.
Natural gas fired Trigeneration plants Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and

on Airport produce electricity and the Xylene (BTEX), Carbon Monoxide
fugitive heat from this process is (CO), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide
captured to heat buildings in winter (NO2) and Particulates (PM10 and
and cool the buildings in summer PM2.5). Air quality monitoring results
using absorption chillers. Canberra are well below the National
Airport is investigating using Environment Protection Measure
Trigeneration to provide power at the (NEPM), Ambient Air Quality, goals
new Terminal to stationary aircraft and consistent with local ACT air
and ground based aircraft movements, quality results.
thereby reducing air emissions from
these activities. Air quality monitoring will be
increased to every 5 years as results
The upgrades and construction of are consistently well below NEPM
aviation infrastructure will reduce guidelines.
taxiing times for aircraft, thereby
reducing fuel burn and emissions. Air quality monitoring is next
scheduled for October/November
Air quality monitoring was conducted 2009 with outcomes to be reported in
in and around the Airport in 2005 and the Draft 2010 Environment Strategy.
2007 and included monitoring for
Air Quality Action Plan

Priority
(refer to Monitoring &
Objectives Chapter 4) Initiatives Reporting
Maintain an
overview of air Air quality monitored every five years Report in the AER and
quality at Canberra M and outcomes compared to relevant forward copy of results to
Airport and in the regulations and ACT results ACT EPA
ACT
Continue to reduce Upgrade vehicles and equipment
emissions from O when required to meet contemporary Report upgrades in AER
airside vehicles and emission standards
equipment
Evidence required prior to
Regular servicing and maintenance of
O annual Airside licence
airside vehicle and equipment
and registration renewals
Continue to
upgrade equipment Continued investigation in new
Report new technologies
to meet O technologies to meet contemporary
in AER
contemporary standards e.g. Trigeneration plants
standards
(including ozone
and greenhouse Maintain the refrigerant (including Database reviewed and
O
gas emissions) ozone depleting substance) database. updated annually
Implementation of
the Construction Dust suppression to be implemented To be monitored through
O
Environmental throughout the CEMP process the CEMP process
Management Plan
Air emissions mitigation to be
To be monitored through
O implemented throughout the CEMP
the CEMP process
process
Continue to Continue to encourage public
promote transport (including interstate Report new services in
sustainable O
services) through advertising and AER
transport options for promotions
Airport users and
tenants Continue to provide bicycle spaces Report new facilities in
O
and locker facilities AER
As part of the 2009 road upgrade, Report new cycle ways in

O connect the Airport cycleway with the AER
Canberra cycleway system
Ensure infrastructure is in place, as

Continue to assist far as practicable and commercially Report new infrastructure
Airlines to reduce O
feasible, to reduce taxiing times for in AER
fuel burn and aircraft
greenhouse gas Support the airlines renewing their
emissions Report additional support
O aircraft fleet over time with new
in AER
generation aircraft
Work with Airservices Australia to
Report new AATM
O implement Australian Air Traffic
procedures in AER
(AATM) Management Procedures
Dark Smoke Ensure MOU is in place for Dark

Agreement for O Smoke Agreement between the ARFF Report in AER
ARFF and DITRDLG
4.3 Indigenous Heritage
Objective
To continue to manage Indigenous
heritage sites in a culturally sensitive
manner and in accordance with the
Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Overview
In accordance with the previous
Environment Strategies, cultural
heritage assessments have been
undertaken in areas of potentially low
archaeological sensitive areas affected
by development as identified in the
2001 archaeological assessment of the
Airport.
Two sites located in the southern end

of Brindabella Business Park were
assessed in 2007 by the four
Registered Aboriginal Organisations
(RAO’s) and qualified archaeological
consultants. The surveys, which
included scraping, did not find any
significant items, and there were no
archaeological constraints or
requirements identified. All reports
were supplied to the AEO and the
ACT Heritage Unit.
The only remaining potential

archaeological site is located in the
south-east corner of the Airport which
is listed on the ACT Interim Heritage
Places Register. The area was clearly
marked and protected by the Airport
so as not to be impacted by works
associated with the 2006 Runway
extension to the south.
The potential archaeological site in the

south-east corner of the Airport is not
likely to be affected by development
during the life of this Environment
Strategy. Additional monitoring,
review and assessments are therefore
not required at this stage.
Indigenous Heritage Action Plan

Objectives Priority Initiatives Monitoring &
(refer to Reporting
Chapter
4)
Record and relocate Report in AER

Consult with the ACT heritage
archaeological artefacts and copy of
Unit and RAO’s regarding
found in south east corner O reports to ACT
protocol for recording and
of airport prior to Heritage Unit
relocation of artefacts
development
Report in AER
Contractors are required to
and copy of
report any artefacts unearthed
O reports to ACT
during construction works to
Report, record and Heritage Unit
Canberra Airport and the AEO.
relocate any
archaeological artefacts Report in AER
found during construction Consult with the ACT heritage
and copy of
Unit and RAO’s regarding
O reports to ACT
protocol for recording and
Heritage Unit
relocation of artefacts
4.4 European Heritage
Objective
To manage the heritage values of the
Fairbairn precinct in a culturally
sensitive manner.
Overview
The Fairbairn Precinct is one of a
number of permanent RAAF bases
that were developed in World War II
and continuously altered from the
1950s through to the 1990s. The
former RAAF base was sold as part of
the Canberra Airport lease in May
1998. The Commonwealth
Government retained a five (5) year
lease of Fairbairn as a condition of
that sale. Fairbairn became a Defence
(ADF) facility in 2004.
Vacant possession of Fairbairn was

handed over to Canberra Airport by
the Commonwealth Government in
June 2004 and the Airport has
developed and revitalised Fairbairn
since vacant possession in June 2004.
Demountable buildings have been

removed, new buildings have been
developed, the tree and townscape
enhanced and existing buildings have
been modernised with upgraded
services and a contemporary veneer
for adaptive reuse.
This revitalisation program has

provided Fairbairn with a new
beginning.
A draft Fairbairn Heritage and The FHMP contains future

Development Management Plan was development management policies for
submitted to DITRDLG and DEWHA Fairbairn which may include, but not
in June 2006. Due to the be limited to, the management of:
establishment of the Commonwealth
Heritage Management Principles in • The landscape character;
November 2006, Canberra Airport
commissioned a heritage consultant in • Individual buildings (including
2008 to assess the heritage values of demolition, reuse or
the precinct against Commonwealth revitalisation);
heritage criteria. The Heritage
Management Plan for the Former • New building guidelines; and
RAAF Base Fairbairn, known as the
Fairbairn Heritage Management Plan • The ongoing management of the
(FHMP), will guide the management site.
of the heritage values at Fairbairn.
Ongoing and future development of
The Commonwealth Heritage Values Fairbairn must comply with the
for Fairbairn as assessed in the FHMP Building Code of Australia (BCA)
can be summarised as follows: and provide modern facilities to
future tenants, including retrofitting
• The precinct has significant and upgrades over time.
historic heritage value as a former
operational RAAF airbase The development of Fairbairn to date
established during World War II; has revitalised the precinct in a way
that acknowledges the history of the
• The former RAAF Base Fairbairn former RAAF Base. The revitalisation
precinct, originally RAAF Station program has brought back
Canberra, has significant employment and training to Fairbairn
representative heritage value for that was lost after the vacating of
its remnant ability to demonstrate Defence personnel.
the primary orthogonal,
operational and hierarchical The FHMP is being finalised,
planning characteristics of early to following public consultation, and it
mid 20th century RAAF air bases is expected that DEWHA will
in Australia; approve the FHMP during the public
consultation period of this
• The former RAAF Base Fairbairn Preliminary Draft Environment
precinct has significant heritage Strategy. The Preliminary Draft
value for its direct association FHMP was available on the Canberra
with the RAAF, primarily during Airport website,
World War II and to a lesser http://www.canberraairport.com.au/,
extent subsequently as a for public comment from 7 July 2009
continuing operational facility to 3 August 2009.
until 2002.
European Heritage Action Plan

Objectives Priority Initiatives Monitoring
(refer to & Reporting
Chapter
4)
Report
Manage and develop Fairbairn in accordance with
O changes in
the Fairbairn Heritage Management Plan
AER
Implement Prior to any works or development undertaken within
Report HSAR
Fairbairn O the Fairbairn Precinct, undertake a Heritage
in AER
Heritage Significance Assessment Report (HSAR)
Management
Plan and O If required, obtained approvals under the EPBC Act Report in AER
continue liaison
with DEWHA
O Continued liaison with DEWHA and DITRDLG Report in AER

4.5 On-Airport Noise
Objective
To minimise noise generation on-
Airport and to comply with the noise
standards as stated in the Airport
1997.
Overview
Aircraft in flight (which includes
aircraft taxiing) is regarded as off-
Airport noise and is the major
contributor of aircraft noise in and
around the Airport. This issue is
addressed in detail in the Canberra
Airport 2009 Master Plan. Vehicle
traffic along Pialligo Avenue is also a
significant contributor to off-Airport
noise levels. The main contributors to
on-Airport noise are from:
• Ground running of aircraft;
• Construction activities; and
• Ground support operations.
Ground running of engines is

generally required after aircraft
maintenance. These engine run-ups
are undertaken in accordance with the
Airport’s Engine Ground Running
Guidelines and in the isolated north-
eastern corner of the Airport. These
guidelines are subject to regular
review and have ensured nominal
noise complaints due to engine run-
ups.
Noise monitoring was conducted in

the nearby suburb of Campbell during
a round of C130J Hercules Aircraft
engine run-ups to ascertain whether
maintenance activities are contributing
to on-Airport noise. Testing
concluded that the noise of the engine
running was not discernable over
background noise levels.
All airside ground service vehicles meets the requirements of the Airport
and equipment require evidence of (Environment Protection) Regulations
regular servicing and maintenance 1997.
prior to annual registration for airside
use. This includes meeting noise Earth mounds, blast fencing,
emissions standards. positioning of some buildings and
landscaping on Airport have been
Construction Environment incorporated successfully into
Management Plans (CEMPs) also building and landscaping design to
address and manage noise issues minimise on-and off-Airport noise.
associated with construction and
On-Airport Noise Action Plan

(refer to Reporting
Chapter
4)
O Ongoing implementation of Engine
Report in AER
Ongoing implementation of Ground Running Guidelines
Engine Ground Running
Guidelines and To be monitored
Construction EMP O Noise mitigation to be implemented
through the
through the CEMP process
CEMP process
Evidence required
Continue to reduce noise Regular servicing and prior to annual
O
from airside vehicles and maintenance of airside vehicle and Airside licence
equipment equipment and registration
renewals
Continued implementation Noise mitigation initiatives

O
of initiatives e.g. mounding incorporated in design principles Report in AER
and landscaping to reduce for new buildings
noise impacts
Monitoring of noise
complaints and conduct
O Noise complaint register updated
noise monitoring if Report in AER
and reviewed as required
significant increase in on-
Airport noise complaints
4.6 Water Management
Objective
To continue to undertake all
reasonable and practicable measures
to manage the quality of water on
Airport in accordance with the
Airport’s Water Management Plan.
Overview
Canberra Airport’s February 2009
Water Management Plan builds upon
and supersedes the 2005 Stormwater
Management Plan. The Plan outlines
ongoing and new actions by Canberra
Airport to demonstrate it will
continue to undertake all reasonable
and practicable measures to manage
the quality of stormwater,
groundwater and recycled water on
Airport compliant with Regulation
4.01 of the Airport (Environment
Protection) Regulations 1997.
Factors that may affect the quality of
water on Airport include:
• Superphosphate and lime

application in the upper
catchment (off-Airport land) and
subsequent release of metals in
the catchment soil;
• Sediment, thatch and nutrients

from native and exotic grassland;
• Sediment from construction

activities;
• Animal & bird faeces and organic

matter from the upper catchment
(off-Airport) and on-Airport;
• Wear of tyres and brake pads and

possible combustion of
lubricating oils;
• Life cycle corrosion of roofs, organism levels in stormwater

roadside fittings, pipes and other samples.
metal objects;
Water quality has been monitored at
• Fuel storage and transfer facilities; stormwater points entering and
and exiting the Airport since privatisation
in 1998. Due to the ongoing drought,
• Maintenance facilities. seasonal monitoring has been limited.
Canberra Airport has applied a Historical and current monitoring

number of structural and natural results show naturally high levels of
treatments to ensure that there is no analytes in the catchment soil and in
negative impact on stormwater quality the stormwater entering the Airport.
exiting the Airport and on Canberra Airport itself does not
groundwater quality. This is shown in contribute to elevated analyte levels
Figure 4.6. in the lower catchment and has
demonstrated compliance under
The 2009 Water Management Plan is Regulation 4.01 of the Airport
a living document and may be (Environment Protection) Regulations
updated when required, in 1997.
consultation with the AEO. A
summary copy of the plan is available Water quality control measures have
on the Canberra Airport website been incorporated in the design of
www.canberraairport.com.au. new buildings, infrastructure and
landscaping as shown in Figure 4.6.
These measures are designed to
4.6.1 Stormwater reduce the velocity of stormwater
The Canberra Airport site lies within flow, allowing for the natural
three major catchments, including two filtration of sediment, catchment
catchments with upstream flows. metals and nutrients. The reduced
These upstream catchment areas have flow also controls erosion and
been extensively modified since the promotes infiltration and groundwater
1930’s to reduce the amount of runoff recharge.
and sediment reaching Lake Burley
Griffith and to reduce the impact of Water quality exiting the Airport is
direct overland flows onto the generally the same or improved from
Airport. the water quality entering the Airport.
Historically, the upper catchment land

uses have been for agriculture and 4.6.2 Groundwater
horticulture. The application of Canberra Airport requires fuel and
superphosphate and overgrazing in maintenance facilities to have
the upper catchment has washed appropriate bunded areas, separator
sediment, excess nutrients and animal systems and/or pollutant traps to
and plant debris into the Airport swale minimise fuel or hazardous substance
system. The natural levels in the loss to stormwater as shown in Figure
catchment soils and the natural 4.6. Tenants are required to service
biological breakdown of thatch and separator systems and pollutant traps
bird and animal faecal matter also on a regular basis and notify the
contributes to nutrient and micro- Airport of any incidents that arise.
Figure 4.6 Canberra Airport non-potable water flowchart

All airside vehicles are required to Subterranean water released by

provide proof of annual documented excavations of building sites will be
maintenance check prior to annual treated whenever possible and used in
registration approval. Airport staff toilets and cooling towers e.g. as
and contractors are encouraged to proposed in the new terminal.
maintain ongoing vigilance of aircraft
and ground service equipment and to
report any incidents. 4.6.4 Trade Water Agreement
In the absence of a Commonwealth
Groundwater monitoring wells are standard, Canberra Airport has
tested in accordance with the Water adopted the ActewAGL local standard
Management Plan to measure for Trade Waste agreements.
contamination levels or to provide
indicators of contamination. Individual agreements are obtained
for each tenant including details on
Refer to the soil pollution section for the installation and maintenance of
information regarding contaminated waste disposal systems.
sites.
A contaminated groundwater plume

from the former Pialligo landfill
(south of the Airport and Pialligo
Avenue) was disclosed to the Airport
after privatisation. The site was
assessed as part of the 2006 Runway
extension works and no
contamination was identified. The
site has since been removed from the
Contaminated Site Register and the
2010 Environment Strategy
Commitments.
4.6.3 Recycled Water

Two state-of-the-art water recycling
systems have been installed at
Canberra Airport to recycle waste
water. Whilst the water following
treatment is assessed as drinking
quality, the recycled water will
initially be used in toilet flushing and
for irrigation.
As a standard for water recycling is

not available under the Airport
1997, local standards and approvals
from ACTEW and ACT Health and
EPA have been adopted.
Water Management Action Plan

(refer to Reporting
Chapter
4)
Stormwater monitoring to be undertaken Report in AER and
O four times per year (once every season) provide copy of
subject to suitable rain events occurring. results to ACT EPA
Water quality monitoring to Groundwater monitoring of baseline Report in AER and

O
be undertaken in monitoring wells to be undertaken provide copy of
accordance with Water biennially results to ACT EPA
Management Plan.
Water Recycling monitoring to be
Report in AER and
O undertaken in accordance with ACT
provide copy of
Health, ACT EPA and ACTEW
results to ACT EPA
Agreements
Maintain existing or increase the quality Report
of stormwater flows out of the Airport in implementation of
O
partnership with land managers of Water Management
upstream inflows Plan in AER
Provide detention mechanisms to Provide details on
manage any increased rain event peak detention
O
flows arising from new Airport mechanisms in
development AER
Report
Create the opportunity to irrigate
O opportunities in
landscape from rain events
AER
Harness rain events wherever feasible Report changes in
O
to recharge groundwater aquifers AER
Undertake regular monitoring of surface

Monitoring results
O and groundwater quality to measure
reported in AER
effectiveness of management programs
Implementation and
ongoing review of the Water Review management programs in Review Water
Management Plan O response to monitoring outcomes and Management Plan
evolving best practice. as required.
Minimise potable water consumption
Report compliance
O and comply with ACTEW water
in AER
restrictions
Investigate reuse opportunities of Report reuse
O subterranean water encountered in opportunities in
building basements AER
Harness rainwater for re-use in
O Report in AER
buildings and for irrigation
Improve the management of waste
O water, including the installation of waste Report in AER
water recycling plants
Expand initiatives relating to Water Report expansions
O
Sensitive Urban Design. in AER
Ongoing adoption of O Individual ACTEW trade waste Report changes to

ACTEW local standard agreements to be adopted as required standard in AER
trade waste agreements
4.7 Natural Resources
Objective
To continue to minimise the use of
natural resources by applying best
practice conservation standards, Green
Building Council’s general principles
and investigating new technologies.
Overview
Canberra Airport is developing the
Airport in a social, economic and
environmentally sustainable manner.
In the ACT, Canberra Airport, as the

regions major public transport
gateway and rising employment node,
is a significant user of water, energy
and material notwithstanding its
ongoing regular monitoring regime
and continuous investigation of
evolving best practice.
The Airport is a leader in

implementing ways to minimise
consumption during construction and
life cycle management of
infrastructure by adopting more
efficient technologies, reuse of
product, procurement of long life
cycle quality product, and adaptive
reuse of existing buildings.
The Majura Office Park won the ACT

Master Builders Commercial Building
Environmental Best Practice Award in
July 2009 acknowledging the
Airport’s role as a leader in
environmental sustainability.
4.7.1 Energy The energy efficiency of new plant

The main areas in which energy is and equipment (including motor
used, producing greenhouse gas vehicles) is investigated to ensure that
emissions on Airport include: optimum efficiency can be achieved.
• Aircraft operations (stationary Regular monitoring of energy usage is

aircraft and ground based aircraft conducted to identify opportunities to
movement); ensure plant and equipment is running
at optimum efficiency.
• Heating and cooling buildings;
Canberra Airport calculates its
• Lighting of runways, aircraft
greenhouse gas emissions from
apron, approach lighting, roads,
Canberra Airport operations
car parks and buildings;
(excluding aircraft operators)
annually and reports trends in the
• Motor vehicles and plants (both
Annual Environment Report.
airside and landside);
Canberra Airport’s emissions are well
• Equipment including office and below the threshold for National
aviation; Greenhouse and Energy Reporting
(NGER) and annual reporting is not
• Public amenity services; and required and will not be required over
the 5 year life of this Environment
• Maintenance activities. Strategy.
Energy consumption is reduced by
applying energy conservation 4.7.2 Water
initiatives as those shown in Figure
The main areas of potable and non-
4.7. Canberra Airport’s policy is to
potable water usage on Airport
adopt Green Building Council’s
include:
Green Star principles and to design
new buildings to minimum 4 Star –
• Fire fighting purposes (including
Green Star and 5 Star – National
training);
Australian Built Environment Rating
System (NABERS).
• Car wash facilities;
Tri-generation plants are being
implemented in the new office • Cooling towers;
precincts and in the new terminal,
which will dramatically reduce energy • Amenities in buildings; and
use, carbon dioxide and greenhouse
gas emissions. The plants are • Irrigation.
powered by natural gas, and excess
heat is captured to heat the buildings Potable water consumption has been
in winter and cool them in summer. reduced by implementing a number of
The Trigeneration plants have the water conservation measures as
potential to produce a power surplus shown in Figure 4.7. A Water
which can be sold back to the grid as Strategy Committee was formed to
green electricity. monitor, investigate and implement
further water saving measures.
Figure 4.7 Canberra Airport Sustainability Management Flowchart

The Airport also employs a licensed Airport is a member of the ACTNow

plumber on site to ensure leaks and Waste Network, demonstrating and
pipe breakages are promptly attended assisting local businesses to recycle,
to. reuse and reduce. Some of the
initiatives used on Airport are
Water recycling systems have been summarised in Figure 4.7 and include;
installed to recycle waste water that is
re-used in toilet flushing and for Adaptive reuse of existing buildings
irrigation. The water recycling and materials
system has the potential to treat • Buildings at Fairbairn have been
100,000 litres of waste water every renovated and adapted for reuse
day. where possible, significantly
reducing demolition waste to
Subterranean water from building landfill and saving embodied
basements will also be treated and energy;
utilised in the new terminal for use in
the bathrooms and cooling towers. • Materials from an old blast fence
reused in a new blast fence;
Rainwater tanks have also been
installed in the office parks and under • Disused taxiway base materials
the new terminal carpark to harvest recovered and used to form new
rainfall. Rainwater will be treated and or to consolidate existing Airside
used in the new terminal to reduce roads;
reliance on potable water.
• Fuel tanks relocated to other sites
Airport grounds are irrigated using off- and on-Airport;
recycled water, groundwater and
rainwater. • Steel, concrete and other building
products from demolished
Canberra Airport remains in ongoing buildings re-used or recycled;
consultation with ACTEW on water
saving initiatives and is compliant • An old hanger was relocated off
with ACTEW Water Restrictions. Airport to be used as a shed; and
The Airport was recognised by
• Water tanks (including a 1 million
ACTEW Corporation on World Water
litre tank) relocated and reused off
Day 2008, as a Water Wise Achiever
Airport.
and as an organisation making
significant water savings.
Use of Recycled Materials
Buildings are constructed with a high
percentage of recycled materials,
4.7.3 Materials and Waste
including post-consumer concrete, fly
Management ash, steel and timber.
Canberra Airport has adopted the
Green Building Council policy to Construction Waste
reuse, reduce and recycle waste from The Airport’s Construction
Airport operations and won the ACT Environment Management Plan
NoWaste Award Silver award in 2004 (CEMP) requires all construction
and the Gold award in 2005 for its contractors to have construction waste
waste reduction initiatives. Canberra sorted and recycled where possible.
Approximately 80% of construction 4.7.4 Sustainable Transport

waste is reused or recycled. Canberra Airport’s Sustainable
Ground Transport Policy which
Twin bin (co-mingled recycling) currently includes subsidising the
system Airliner Bus service, assisting
The twin bin system at each ACTION bus route growth and
employee’s desk (additional bin promoting growth in bicycle use and
supplied and managed by the Airport facilities, provides Airport users and
and its cleaning contractors) has been tenants with sustainable transport
implemented successfully across options.
Brindabella Business Park, Majura
and Fairbairn (tenants are permitted to
use other systems if they can 4.7.5 Greenhouse Gas
demonstrate comparable or better Emissions by Airlines
recycling results).
Airlines and other aviation operators
emit greenhouse gasses in their
Canberra Airport works closely with
operations. Globally, airlines
its cleaners and waste disposal
contribute 1.6% to carbon dioxide
contractors to monitor and encourage
emissions. 2 While aircraft efficiency
tenants to recycle. This includes
has and will continue to improve over
reducing the amount of waste bins
time, greenhouse gas emissions by
and replacing them with recycling
airlines are expected to grow as the
bins or cardboard enclosures.
number of passengers and volume of
airfreight grows over time.
Plastic Bag Policy
Canberra Airport’s Plastic Bag Policy
The Airport has supported the airlines
was developed and implemented
operating at Canberra to continue
across the Airport. Airport staff are
their renewal of the aircraft fleet over
supplied with calico bags and
time with new age aircraft. Australian
biodegradable bin liners are used in
airlines have one of the most modern
the office parks.
aircraft fleet mixes in the world
resulting in lower noise and
Green Waste
emissions. This increase in efficiency
Leaves, grass clippings and dirt swept
of aircraft from 1991 to 2005 alone
from Airport roads and aerodrome are
has resulted in a reduction of 37.5%
composted on site. Felled trees are
in greenhouse gas emissions per
mulched and used on gardens on- and
passenger tonne-km2.
off-Airport. Pruned materials are
taken to green waste sites for
The Airlines also have initiatives in
mulching and reuse.
place to reduce fuel burn and hence
greenhouse gas emissions, such as
optimising aircraft take-off weight
and by implementing Airservices
Australia Air Traffic Management
procedures.
1 Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, Sir
Nicholas Stern, October 2006.

2 National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Department of the
Environment and Water Resources, September 2007

Airservices Australia, as the manager expeditiously commence using these

of aircraft flight paths in Australia procedures.
continues to work with the airlines, Canberra Airport is also playing a
airports and the Australian major role in reducing the airlines’
community to achieve greater greenhouse gas emissions by
efficiencies. ensuring, as far as practicable and
Constant Descent Approach (CDA), commercially feasible, that Airport
Standard Instrument Departures infrastructure minimises the delays to
(SIDS) and Standard Terminal Arrival aircraft while taxiing or at the
Routes (STARS), Required terminal. For this reason, the Airport
Navigation Performance (RNP) plans to continue to work with the
approaches and departures are some Airlines, Government agencies,
of the environmental initiatives that Airservices Australia and the
have been introduced by ASA at community to provide sufficient
Canberra Airport over the past five runway, taxiway, navigation aids,
(5) years which have resulted in lower aprons, terminal and other aviation
noise and emissions. infrastructure capacity to ensure that
aircraft can operate without delays in-
Canberra Airport actively supports the flight or whilst taxiing.
above procedures and is urging all
operators with capable aircraft to
Natural Resource Management Action Plan

(refer to Reporting
Chapter
4)
Base building modelled to minimum Monitor energy
Apply Green Building O
4 Star Green Star and water usage
Council Green Star
Principles Base building modelled to minimum Monitor energy
O
5 Star NABERS and water usage
Report in new
Improve water and technology in
Continued installation of water and
energy efficiency by AER
O energy efficient technology i.e.
adapting new technology,
Trigeneration plants
recycling and reuse
Daily monitoring
Active Water Leak Detection through
O and resolution of
Monitoring of energy and Building Management System
issues.
water efficiency in all new
buildings Buildings sub-metered for electricity Usage monitored
O and water use, quarterly review of
energy and water usage
Monitor Canberra Airport’s Report trends in
O operational greenhouse gas AER
emissions
Monitor Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Report emission under NPI if
S Report to NPI
required.
Report greenhouse gas emissions
L Report to NGER
under NGER if required.
Reduce the Airport demand on Monitor water
O
potable water supply usage
Compliance with ACTEW Water Report in AER
O
Restrictions
Install additional stormwater storage Report new
O
tanks tanks in AER
Improve water efficiency Report
The reuse of subterranean water
O subterranean
from building basements
water use in AER
Continued implementation of water Report new
O
conservation initiatives initiatives in AER
Continued implementation of water Report new
O
sensitive urban design initiatives in AER
Continue implementation and
Report changes
Reduce, reuse and O management of twin bin system in
in AER
recycle office park
O The use of water recycling plants Report in AER
Investigate recycled products used
Report additional
O in new buildings (subject to building
Expand reuse initiatives in AER
regulations)
opportunities in
construction Continued adaptive reuse of
O buildings at Fairbairn (subject to Report in AER
building regulations and asbestos)
Record construction Contractors to report on waste Monitor through
O
waste generated and recycled CEMP process
Biodegradable liners to be used in Report changes

O
bins in AER
Continue implementation
Report changes
and review of Plastic Bag O Calico bags provided to Airport staff
in AER
Policy
Report changes
S Review plastic bag policy
in AER
Continue to promote Continue to encourage public
sustainable transport transport (including interstate Report new
O
options for Airport users services) through advertising and services in AER
and tenants promotions
Continue to provide bicycle spaces Report new
O
and locker facilities facilities in AER
Providing facilities for regional bus Report new
O
services services in AER
Report additional
O Support of Deane’s Airliner Service
support in AER
Contribution to on/off road cycleway
Report new cycle
S connectors to the Airport (part of
paths in AER
2009 road upgrades)
Ensure infrastructure is in place, as
Continue to assist Report new
far as practicable and commercially
Airlines to reduce fuel O infrastructure in
feasible, to reduce taxiing times for
burn and greenhouse AER
aircraft
gas emissions
Supports the airlines renewing their
Report additional
O aircraft fleet over time with new
support in AER
generation aircraft
Work with Airservices Australia,

Report new
airlines, CASA and the community to
AATM
O implement environmentally efficient
procedures in
Australian Air Traffic (AATM)
AER
Management Procedures
4.8 Soil Pollution
Objective
To ensure that all occurrences of soil
(and hence groundwater) contamination
at the Airport are recorded and
procedures are in place to minimise risk
on the surrounding environment.
Remediation and ongoing monitoring of
existing contamination is the
responsibility of the tenant.
Overview
The contamination of soil and hence
groundwater can pose a health hazard
and may adversely affect the
surrounding environment. Sources that
may cause soil pollution include:
• Fuel storage and transfer facilities;
• Aircraft maintenance facilities;
• Chemical and other Hazmat storage;
• Underground storage tanks;
• Vehicle maintenance and washing;
• Spills from aircraft and vehicles; and
• Landscaping.
The potential for soil contamination is

mitigated at Canberra Airport by
applying appropriate management
measures such as:
• Installing and maintaining separator

system and pollutant traps;
• Ensuring updated MSDS
• Appropriate hazardous waste storage

facilities;
• Standard incident reporting and

cleanup procedures;
• Staff and tenant education; remediation and/or assessment by

the fuel companies. Canberra
• Documentation of vehicle Airport may acquire the leases for
maintenance checks; these sites to speed up monitoring
and remediation works;
• Removing contamination sources
and remediating sites; and • An underground storage facility at
Fairbairn. The contamination
• Maintaining the Contaminated source and material was removed
Site Register as far as reasonable and
practicable. Groundwater
These management measures have monitoring wells were installed to
reduced the potential for new monitor and measure the extent of
contaminated sites on Airport. the contamination; however the
wells have been continuously dry;
In additions to mechanical systems, • The former Fairbairn maintenance

sites that have the potential to cause facility (building 55). This site is
contamination have groundwater currently undergoing assessment
monitoring wells installed as early and remediation (as required); and
detection mechanisms for
groundwater contamination. The • The former Fairbairn fuel facility.
groundwater sites are listed on the This site is currently undergoing
Groundwater Site Register and assessment and remediation (if
provide valuable baseline data as well required).
as monitoring any change to
groundwater conditions. History to date indicates that tanks
and drums are likely to be unearthed
The Airport has developed the during infrastructure and construction
Contaminated Site Register to list the works at Fairbairn and around the
location, type of contamination, test Terminal.
results and any remediation activities
that have been undertaken or are still All of the above sites emanate from
required. The sites listed on the events prior to the privatisation of the
Contaminated Site Register have had Airport in 1998.
pollution caused by others, prior to
the privatisation of the Airport, and If underground storage tanks,
are all decommissioned sites. The underground pipes or drums are
sites listed on the Contaminated Site found, the contamination source and
Register include: material will be removed as far as
reasonably and practicably possible
• The former fuel farm near the and replaced with clean consolidated
Qantas Terminal. This site will be fill. The contaminated fill is disposed
reassessed and remediated if of in accordance with relevant ACT
required as part of the Western and NSW guidelines. The soil (and
Terminal concourse works; groundwater if encountered) is tested
and results compared to the Airport
• The former (Shell, Mobil and (Environment Protection) Regulations
Caltex) fuel farms on Nomad 1997 to demonstrate compliance. If
Drive. These sites are undergoing required, further testing and
remediation is conducted subject to The monitoring regimes for

expert advice and in consultation with contaminated sites are developed in
the AEO. If required, the site will consultation with the AEO and are
then be listed on the Contaminated included in the 2009 Water
Site Register and will include further Management Plan.
remediation actions (as required) and
ongoing monitoring regimes.
Soil Pollution Action Plan

(refer to Reporting
Chapter
4)
Continue to develop and maintain Report in AER
O
Maintain Contaminated the Contaminated Site Register
Site Register Remediation of contaminated Report in AER
O
sites (as required)
Groundwater monitoring to be Report in AER
Undertake groundwater undertaken in accordance with the
O
monitoring Water Management Plan
On potentially contaminated sites, Report in AER

soil testing will be undertaken in
O compliance with the Airport
Regulations 1997
Soil testing after lease All risks sites will be assessed Report in AER
expiry prior to sublease expiry or
termination for soil pollution and
O remediation, if required in
accordance with the Airport
Regulations 1997
Continue education of staff and Report in AER
O tenants on the management of
Education and review of fuel and hazmat products
mitigation measures Report in AER
Review tenant mitigation
O and Tenant Audit
measures as part of tenant audits
report
4.9 Hazardous Products
Objective
To minimise the use of hazardous
products and thereby reducing any
potential impacts on the surrounding
environment.
Overview
The management of dangerous goods
and hazardous substances and their
disposal is governed by ACT legislation,
as human health and safety is the
primary issue. The sources of
hazardous goods and substances on
Airport that may have the potential to
cause significant environmental damage
if not handled stored or removed
correctly includes fuels, oils, asbestos
and chemicals.
Tenants are responsible for the disposal

and storage of hazardous substances and
are required to update their
Occupational Health and Safety
manuals, staff training and Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as required.
Dangerous goods and hazardous

substances must be stored in secure
bunded areas and, if required, have
regularly maintained separator systems
or triple interceptor traps to minimise
any substance loss to stormwater as a
result of an incident or spill.
Efficient and prompt emergency Emergency response exercises are

response procedures are essential for carried out annually with either a
good management of hazardous desktop or field exercise carried out
products. Emergency response as per CASA requirements.
procedures are contained in the
Airport’s Standard Operating An Asbestos Control Management
Procedures (SOPs) developed in Plan is in place and asbestos has been
consultation with industry progressively removed from buildings
government agencies and emergency at Fairbairn. Priorities are given to
organisations. These SOPs are buildings in use, under renovation or
incorporated in the Airport’s EMS. that pose a significant health and
safety risk.
Spills and incidents have the potential
to enter the stormwater system and Hazardous product substitution is
enter waterways, pollute nearby soils ongoing and a number of products
and possibly impact on groundwater. have been substituted where practical
Incident reporting procedures are in with non-hazardous and
place, and all relevant tenants and biodegradable products. These
include office, vehicle cleaning
Canberra Airport have spill products, fertilisers and aerobic
procedures and equipment available bacteria to degrade oil instead of
for the prompt and efficient cleanup using harsh detergents.
of spills.
Hazardous Products Action Plan

Objectives Priority Initiatives Monitoring
(refer to &
Chapter Reporting
4)
Update MSDS and hazardous waste as Report
O required in accordance with relevant ACT updates in
Review and update Regulations AER
hazardous waste Report in
disposal information Review MSDS and hazardous waste
AER and
O disposal information as part of tenant
Tenant Audit
audits
Report
Remove asbestos Report
Asbestos removal ongoing in accordance
where physically and O removal in
with Asbestos Control Management Plan
commercially feasible AER
Continued implementation of incident and Report in

O
clean-up procedures and reporting AER
Provide tenants with assistance to Report in

Monitor, clean up and O
cleanup incidents AER
report environmental
incidents and educate Investigate and apply appropriate Report in
O
staff and tenants response to incidents AER
Report in
O Report incident to AEO
AER
Enter incident on Airport's Incident Report in
O
Reporting database AER
Review procedures in Report in
O
response to outcomes Investigate and apply appropriate AER
from exercises and response to exercises and incidents
incidents
Continue education of
Report in
staff and tenants on O
AER and
leading best practice
Provide tenants with information and Tenant Audit
risk minimisation,
assistance to cleanup incidents Report
including spill
response and
chemical handling
Cleaning products substituted with Report in
O
biodegradable products. AER
Substitute hazardous
products with non- O Assist tenants to substitute hazardous Report in
hazardous products with non-hazardous alternatives AER and
alternatives Tenant Audit
Report
4.10 Land Management
Objective
To ensure that land management
practices at the Airport are consistent
with the safe operations of the Airport
and the protection of natural values at
the site.
Overview
Canberra Airport is located at the edge
of the south-west corner of the Majura
Valley natural temperate grassland
community which supports listed
threatened species such as the
Grassland Earless Dragon and Golden
Sun Moth.
4.10.1 Natural Temperate

Grassland
Natural temperate grassland of the
Southern Tablelands and ACT is a
listed threatened ecological
community under the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
and supports vulnerable and
endangered fauna such as the
Grassland Earless Dragon, Golden
Sun Moth and the Perunga
Grasshopper.
The Commonwealth progressively

developed the Canberra Airport site as
a commercial airfield and RAAF
Base. The initial construction in the
1930’s and subsequent maintenance
and expansion of the Airport’s
runways and taxiway system have
involved significant landplaning, re-
grading of contours and alterations to
hydrology.
Some disturbed areas have naturally

regenerated over time to their present
condition, which is assessed as
patches of moderately-modified
natural temperate grassland and exotic
and native pasture.
The first detailed survey and mapping Airport, GED have been recorded in
of the Airport vegetation was well-drained, minimally disturbed
conducted in 2003/2004. Grassland natural temperate grasslands,
surveys on Airport were scheduled dominated by Wallaby Grass, Spear
and postponed twice as the prolonged Grass and Kangaroo Grass.
drought hindered the flowering and GED were first recorded at the
identification of sensitive species. The Airport in 1996 and comprehensive
Airport was surveyed and mapped GED surveys have been conducted in
again in 2008/2009 bringing the 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2008 and
Airport mapping into line with current 2009. The last sighting of GED on
standards used in ACT, NSW and the Airport was in 2004. Historic surveys
National Recovery Plan for Natural show that GED have predominately
Temperate Grassland of the Southern been sighted in the northern section of
Tablelands (NSW and ACT): the Airport.
An Endangered Ecological
Community, January 2006. A protocol for GED was developed in
2001 for the identification of GED
The ACT Commissioner for the during construction works. This
Environment released a report in protocol has been successful in
March 2009 on the ACT Lowland finding 8 GED in 2001 during runway
Native Grassland Investigation. The widening works. The protocol has
Commissioner identified the been used since and no GED have
grassland on Airport to be in good been found.
condition and acknowledged the
Airport’s Grassland Management A ceramic mural of the Grassland
Plan. Earless Dragon was erected in
Brindabella Business Park in 2002.
The Commissioner identified the area The mural located in the foyer
north of Canberra Airport as a increases the awareness of the
potential Grassland reserve for natural Grassland Earless Dragon to tenants
temperate grassland and listed and visitors.
threatened species. This land is
located off-Airport and Canberra
Airport will continue to manage 4.10.3 Golden Sun Moth
grassland on Airport to ensure a The Golden Sun Moth (GSM)
buffer and connectivity with the (Synemon plana) is listed as critically
potential Grassland Reserve. endangered under the EPBC Act.
GSM were first observed on Airport

4.10.2 Grassland Earless in November 1993. Surveys have
Dragon been undertaken on Airport in 2000,
The Grassland Earless Dragons 2003, 2006 and 2007.
(GED) (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla)
is listed as endangered under the Seasonal variations have been taken
EPBC Act. GEDs prefer natural into account and there has not been a
temperate grassland that have inter- significant change in GSM numbers
tussock spaces and burrows since monitoring first commenced in
constructed by Wolf Spiders (Lycosa 2000.
spp.) and the Canberra Raspy Cricket
(Cooraboorama canberrae). On
4.10.4 Perunga Grasshopper 4.10.6 Management Plan

The Perunga Grasshopper (Perunga Canberra Airport is committed to the
ochracea) is listed as vulnerable management of natural temperate
under the ACT Nature Conservation grasslands and threatened listed
Act 1980. The Perunga Grasshopper species. The 2004 Grassland
has been identified at the northern end Management Plan outlines the
of the Airport. Specimens are found management of grassland and listed
during the grassland survey. threatened species.
The Management Plan includes a

4.10.5 Proposed development protocol for the retrieval of Grassland
Canberra Airport has a responsibility Earless Dragons from works areas,
to the Airlines, aviation business the ongoing management of
including freight companies and the grassland, supporting listed threatened
community to ensure that species and monitoring information.
infrastructure including the The 2004 Grassland Management
construction and widening of Plan will be updated by the
runways, taxiways and aprons is in Threatened Species Management Plan
place to meet aviation demand and to include the outcomes of the EPBC
ensure the secure, safe and efficient Act referrals, conservation areas,
management of aviation and other biodiversity off-set strategies,
traffic on and around the Airport. mitigation measures and outcomes
from research.
In December 2008, a referral was
approved with conditions by the
Department of Environment, Water, 4.10.7 Bird and Animal
Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) to Hazard Management
construct the extension of Taxiway Canberra Airport’s Bird and Wildlife
Bravo to the north, to join Runway 17 Management Program is supported by
threshold. the Bird and Wildlife Management
Plan, incorporated within the Airport
In February 2009, a referral was Operations Manual.
submitted to DEWHA for the
Infrastructure upgrade and The Airport’s consultant biologist and
construction at Canberra Airport as bird management expert conducts
shown in Figure 4.10. regular audits of bird activity on the
airport and the surrounding areas, as
Canberra Airport will construct the well as providing ongoing training of
Aviation and Airfield based Airport Operations staff in bird
developments and supporting Airport identification and harassment.
infrastructure during the life of
Canberra Airport’s 2009 Master Plan A re-seeding protocol has been
in accordance with the conditions of developed and implemented and has
the EPBC Act referrals. successfully reduced the level of bird
attractiveness of seed being sown for
the purposes of soil stabilisation
following works.
All development on airport is • The adoption of a Re-seeding and

conducted in such a way as to Soil Stabilisation Protocol to
minimise the risk of bird and animal ensure that bird attractant plant
attraction. Measures to reduce bird and weed species are not sown or
attraction include (but are not limited distributed;
to):
• The minimisation of water
• The briefing of Airport operations ponding to reduce attraction to
staff and contractors on measures waterbirds (such as ducks);
to avoid bird attraction (e.g.:
waste minimisation, avoidance of • Mowing protocol with the
water ponding etc); objective to minimise the
opportunity for grasses to set seed
• The installation of appropriate thereby deterring birds; and
waste facilities during
construction and around public • Ongoing involvement in the
areas, including secured bin lids; Australasian Aviation Wildlife
Hazard Group (AAWHG)
• The use of non-bird attractant
species of plants for landscaping;
4.10.8 Landscaping plan
• The use of wires, nets or spikes on The Landscaping Plan for the Airport
exposed surfaces to minimise bird has been developed under the guiding
roosting opportunities; principle that the Airport is the focal
entry point into the Nation’s Capital
• Training of Airport Operations and compliments and reinforces
staff in bird identification and Burley Griffin’s vision of Canberra as
harassment; the Garden City. Plan species are
sensitive to Bird Hazard
Management.
Figure 4.10 Proposed Developments approved under the EPBC Act with
conditions
Land Management Action Plan

(refer to Reporting
Chapter
4)
Manage the natural values on Airport

O in accordance with the Threatened Report changes in AER
Species Management Plan
Manage Natural
Temperate Grassland Development of the Threatened
and listed threatened Report development in
S Species Management Plan to update
species on Airport AER
the 2004 Grassland Management Plan
Comply with approval and conditions Report in AER and to

O
under the EPBC Act DEWHA
Grassland surveys to be undertaken Report in AER and to

L
every five years DEWHA
Natural Temperate
Grassland and listed Grassland Earless Dragon surveys to Report in AER and to
S
threatened species be undertaken every two years DEWHA
monitoring
Golden Sun Moth surveys to be Report in AER and to
S
undertaken every two years DEWHA
Annual weed spraying in areas of high

O Report in AER
quality grassland (weather dependent)
Cables placed in conduits to minimise

O Report in AER
soil disturbance
Weed management
Mowing machinery cleaned to
O Report in AER
minimise weed transfer
Mowing of grassland from highest to
O Report in AER
lowest quality
O Ongoing research on best practice Report in AER
O Management Plans reviewed annually Report in AER
Review and update
Re-seeding protocol to reduce bird
Bird & Animal Hazards O Report in AER
activity
and Wildlife Hazards
Management Plan Ongoing monitoring of bird and animal
O Report in AER
activity
Landscape Master Plan O Enhancement of the parkland design Report in AER
Retention of high S
Review and monitoring of Report in AER and
quality grassland,
Translocation site (Permit No.E2005- annual Translocation
enhancement and
58339) Report to DEWHA
revegetation of lower
quality areas O Retention of High quality grassland Report in AER
Implementation of GED Implementation of GED Protocol
O Report in AER
Protocol during construction works
S Support the University of Canberra Report outcomes in
Golden Sun Moth Counter program to AER and update
Investigation of mowing
obtain information on standardised Threatened Species
heights to benefit GSM
monitoring protocols and definition of Management Plan as
GSM habitat required
4.11 Social and Community Engagement
Aim
To ensure that the community is
informed about the environmental
initiatives that occurs at the Airport, in
terms of both the built and natural
environment.
Overview
Canberra Airport is an active
participant on numerous industry and
professional associations and has
proved itself to be a leader in the
implementation of environmental and
community initiatives such as:
• Tours and promotion of

Australia’s first 5 Star accredited
sustainable office building using
the Green Building Council’s
Green Star office design rating
tool;
• Recognition by the ACTEW

Corporation on World Water Day
2008, as a Water Wise Achiever
and as an organisation making
significant water savings;
• ACTNow Waste Network Member

and winner of the Gold ACT No
Waste Awards in 2005;
• supporting existing noise

abatement areas ensuring aircraft
noise protection for 99.5% of the
region’s residents;
• Airport open days, showcasing the

Airport to15,000 people;
• the publication of ‘The Hub” and

“Airport Talk” informing tenants
and the community of news and
developments on Airport; and
• The Snow foundation provides • Department of Defence;

significant funding for local
disadvantaged individuals, groups • Department of Climate Change;
and families.
• Department of Innovation,
Industry, Science and Reaserach
4.11.1 Noise Abatement
Areas • Green Building Council of
Canberra Airport works closely with Australia;
Airservices Australia, CASA, airlines
and the community to expand and • Friends of the Grassland;
maintain the Noise Abatement Areas.
• Conservation Council, ACT
Canberra Airport is also actively Region;
campaigning against proposals for
new houses under the flight paths at • Southern Tablelands Ecosystem
Tralee and Environa. If these Park Inc;
proposals go ahead, it may result in
noise sharing across Canberra and • Peak ACT and NSW community
Queanbeyan to provide relief for the organisations including the
residents in the new proposed housing Pialligo Residents Association;
developments. (See the 2009 Master
Plan for further details.) • Airport tenants and users; and
• Registered Aboriginal
4.11.2 Consultation Organisations
Canberra Airport consults with
Government agencies and public
community groups to understand and 4.11.3 Public awareness
ensure the needs of the community Canberra Airport increases public
are met. Consultation bodies include: awareness of initiatives implemented
on the Airport by;
• ACT Government Chief Minister
Department; • The Canberra Airport website,
which is regularly updated;
• ACT Environment Protection
Authority; • The publication of the HUB and
Airport Talk newsletters;
• ACT Commissioner for the
Environment; • Media releases, including radio
and television interviews;
• ACT Heritage Unit;
• Personalised tours of the Airport;
• Department of Environment,
Water, Heritage and the Arts; • Open Days;
• Department of Infrastructure, • Public meetings;

Transport, Regional Development
and Local Government;
• Monthly (by appointment) 4.11.6 Economic

consultation meeting with the involvement
Environment and Planning Since its privatisation in 1998,
committee; and Canberra Airport has undergone a
massive transformation which has had
• Guest speakers at community and a profound and positive impact on the
industry meetings. ACT and regional economy.
In the eleven years since privatisation,

4.11.4 Airport Metropolis well in excess of $600 million has
Research been spent on redeveloping the
Canberra Airport is joint funding the Airport into a true gateway for our
Queensland University of national capital. This investment
Technology’s research into ‘The represents a very significant financial
Airport Metropolis: Managing the commitment to the long-term success
Interfaces’ project. The project of Canberra as a city and regional
focuses on the importance of centre of a region.
cooperative planning, to ensure urban
and regional development outcomes A study (updated in April 2009) by
that are economically efficient, independent consultants URS,
sustainable, resilient, coordinated and commissioned by Tourism Transport
equitable. This study is due for Forum (TTF), estimated that Canberra
completion in 2010. Airport’s $600m investment in the
Airport had direct benefits to a range
of different industries and has resulted
4.11.5 Snow Foundation in over:
The Snow Foundation was established
in 1991 to assist those in need in the • $2.1 billion in gross output;
Canberra regional community whose
needs are not covered by government • $882 million in value added;
sources. and
A wide variety of applications have • $480 million in wage and

been approved for funding since the salary incomes to Australian
establishment of the Foundation, with workers.
the main emphasis on providing
specifically targeted grants in the This is a huge economic contribution
fields of social welfare, health and to Canberra and the surrounding
disabilities and education & region.
recreation.
In the 18 years since being

established, The Snow Foundation
has reached out to help more than 125
different Canberra organisations and
individuals.
4.11.7 Grassland Earless degradation. This work will therefore

Dragon Research provide essential management
Canberra Airport is funding a joint information that will maximise the
Post Doctorate Fellowship for GED long term changes of conservation for
research with the Australian Research the GED. This study is due to be
Council and the University of completed in 2010.
Canberra. Canberra Airport also
contributes the Airport’s consultants’
knowledge and advice, ongoing GED 4.11.8 Golden Sun Moth
monitoring and previous monitoring Count Program
reports with the aim of collecting Canberra Airport is contributing its
population data to be used in the consultant knowledge and time to
University of Canberra’s GED assist in collecting data on Airport for
research project. Any information the Golden Sun Moth count program.
obtained from GED specimens’ The program is financially supported
located on-Airport will be included in by the World Wide Fund for Nature
the research project to further increase (WWF) in collaboration with the
the body of knowledge of this species. Friends of Grassland and the Institute
for Applied Ecology at the University
The outcomes of the research will of Canberra. The proposal includes
include clear guidelines for the the examination of the influences of
ongoing management of GED habitat habitat and landscape characteristics
so as to maximise the rate of on the distribution of the species and
population increase and to restore the development and evaluation of
habitat. The research is also expected reliable monitoring techniques.
to provide key insights into the habitat
management mechanism for the GED Results of this survey will provide
and the effect that climate change conservation managers with a rational
might play on those mechanisms approach to the seasonal detection
through the combination of extreme and monitoring of the Golden Sun
drought events and habitat Moth.
Social and Community Engagement Action Plan

(refer to Reporting
Chapter
4)
AES available free of charge on
AES advertised and made Airport website. Hardcopy and CD Report upload of
O
available to public available for purchase at Airport AES in AER
reception
Airport website updated to include
Report changes
Update Airport website S overview of environment and
in AER
sustainable initiatives on Airport
Increased awareness of
O Report in AER
environmental issues on Airport.
Report in AER
Tenant audits and ongoing
O and tenant audit
consultation
report
Formal and informal liaison
O Noise and communication forums Report in AER
with airlines, aviation
operators, tenants and
local community O Public consultations Report in AER
The local community will be formal
consulted during the 90 day public
S consultation period of the Report in AES
Preliminary Draft 2010
Environment Strategy.
Funding to the University of
Canberra for a Post Doctorate Report in AER
Funding and information S
Research Fellowship to research and to DEWHA
sharing to build the body of GED
knowledge for threatened
listed species Data and additional monitoring for Report in AER
O
the GED and GSM and to DEWHA
Opens days and tours to increase

Provide opportunities for
the awareness of Airport
the community to learn O Report in AER
Operations and environmental
about the Airport
initiatives on Airport
Abbreviations
AATM – Australian Air Traffic Management
ABC – Airport Building Controller
ADF – Australian Defence Force
AEO – Airport Environment Officer
AER – Annual Environment Report
AES – Airport Environment Strategy
ARFF – Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting
ASA – Airservices Australia
BCA – Building Code of Australia
CASA – Civil Aviation Safety Authority
CEMP – Construction Environment Management Plan
CDA – Constant Descent Approach
CO – Carbon Monoxide
DEWHA – Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
DITRDLG – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Local Government
EMP – Environment Management Plan
EMS – Environment Management System
EPBC Act – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
FHMP – Fairbairn Heritage Management Plan
GED – Grassland Earless Dragon
GPS - Global Positioning System
GSM – Golden Sun Moth
ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organisation
MDP – Major Development Plan
MOU - Memorandum of Understanding
MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheets
NABERS - National Australian Built Environment Rating System
NEPM – National Environment Protection Measures
NGER – National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting
NO2 – Nitrogen Dioxide
NPI – National Pollution Inventory
O3 – Ozone
ODS – Ozone Depleting Substances
PM – Particulates
RAAF – Royal Australian Air Force
RAO – Registered Aboriginal Organisations
RNP – Required Navigation Performance
SIDS – Standard Instrument Departures
SOPS – Standard Operating Procedures
STARS – Standard Terminal Arrival Routes
TTF – Tourism Transport Forum
UC – University of Canberra
Reference
Canberra Airport 2009 Master Plan, http://www.canberraairport.com.au
Canberra Airport Summarised Water Management Plan, February 2009.

http://www.canberraairport.com.au
Infrastructure upgrade and Construction at Canberra Airport, EPBC 2009/4748, 19

February 2009. http://www.environment.gov.au
Northern Access Road Referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999, Transfer of Defence Land at Majura, EPBC 2007/3756. 15
April 2008. http://www.environment.gov.au.
Report on ACT Lowland Native Grassland Investigation, Commissioner for

Sustainability and the Environment, 19 March 2009.
http://www.environmentcommissioner.act.gov.au/
Taxiway Bravo Extension, Canberra Airport, EPBC 2008/4170, 10 December 2008.

http://www.environment.gov.au.
2 Brindabella Circuit, Brindabella Business Park ACT 2609
T 02 6275 2222 F 02 6275 2244 www.canberraairport.com.au

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Canberra Airport

4.9 Hazardous Products............................................................................... 65

Chapter one I Overview

This Environment Strategy supports

Canberra Airport is at the forefront of

Canberra Airport has continued to 1.2 Environmental

• Duplication of Pialligo Avenue • Ongoing review of aircraft ground

• Extension and strengthening of • Role as a major economic driver

• Contributing to the research for

• Ongoing review and development Location

Figure 1.1 Canberra Airport Location Map

In 1998, Canberra Airport Pty • Infrastructure: the Airport

Figure 1.2 Canberra ‘H Plan’ Employment Location Strategy

Socio-economic impact In addition to permanent on-Airport

Figure 1.3 Airport Roads upgrade

Chapter two I Legislation and Statutory

Section 115 of the Airports Act1996

a) To ensure that all operations at the

b) To establish a framework for

c) To promote the continual

Section 116 of the Airports Act 1996

• The source of environmental impact

• Training necessary for appropriate

• A conservation area north of the species on Airport (not affected

Figure 2.2 Conservation Area and approved developments (subject to

Figure 2.1 shows the developments plan is expected to be approved prior

The referral was first subject to 10 2.5 Major Development

2.6 Consultation on this Copies of the Preliminary Draft

Chapter three I Environmental Management

• Leadership and promotion of the

• Compliance with relevant

• Identification, prevention, control

• Integration of environmental issues

• Contribution to research on natural

• Broad consultation with the

The Environmental Management Individual components of the

Figure 3.1 – Integration of operational and environmental activities at the

Board of Directors Managing Director

DEWHA Environment &

Canberra Airport Environmental Independent Standard

Monitoring and reporting

Review and improvements

3.3 Environmental Progress towards achieving the above

• Review and continuously improve

o Sustainable natural Managing Director

o Conforming with relevant

3.4.1 Board of Directors • Co- management of consultation

• Providing leadership on future • Ensuring the environmental

• Ensuring the Airport’s actions are

• Facilitating the Boards • Co- management of consultation

• Manage Airport environmental 3.4.6 Environmental Site

Figure 3.3 The cycle of continuous improvement embedded in the EMS

3.6 Environmental Training including the Green Star

Performance reviews are used to 3.7 Airport Tenants and

Training is also provided on bird

Canberra Airport encourages its staff contractor and approved by the

3.11 Environment Auditing

• Documentation and records are (Environment Protection)

• Understand their responsibilities

Chapter four I Environmental Action Plans

• Provide an overview of current

• Review and amend the objectives of

• Review and establish an action plan

• Identify monitoring and