26 September 2023

Antarctic airstrip faces planning heat

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Caption: The site of the proposed Davis aerodrome (Photo: Andrew Garner)

A proposal for a new aerodrome at Australia’s Antarctic station is to be subject to further scrutiny following a decision by the environmental regulator.

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) said the submission for the proposed aerodrome and associated infrastructure had been considered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act).

It said the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s Environmental Approvals Division had decided the proposal was a ‘controlled action’ which meant it required further assessment and approvals before it could proceed.

The aerodrome proposal includes the construction and operation of a paved runway, access road, wharf, anchorage area and associated Davis station infrastructure.

Director of the AAD, Kim Ellis said the construction and operation of the aerodrome would have some unavoidable environmental impacts.

“Australian has a long-standing track record of environmental stewardship in Antarctica and we are committed to minimising and mitigating impacts where possible,” Mr Ellis said.

“The proposed aerodrome will deliver a significant capability boost to the Australian Antarctic Program and revolutionise scientific research on the continent,” he said.

“We will be able to better monitor and understand the Antarctic environment, improve accuracy of forecast models, sea level rise predictions and climate change impacts.”

He said the project would now be assessed under an accredited process, with the preparation of a Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation (CEE).

“It will include a detailed description of the proposed activity including construction and operation of the paved runway, details on the environment, likely impacts, including cumulative impacts, measures taken to minimise or mitigate impacts, monitoring, impacts to historic sites and benefits of the capability,” Mr Ellis said.

“The CEE will be released for public comment in Australia and internationally and also presented to the Antarctic Treaty nations in 2021.”

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