Flying north tops list in airport survey

Helen Goltz

The results of an online survey conduced by Illawarra Regional Airport about where residents would most like to fly showed an inclination to head north.

The airport, which is owned and operated by Shellharbour City Council, currently provides services to Melbourne, but according to the survey, residents would like to see services running to the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Shellharbour City Council operations and services director Arthur Webster said the survey was conducted on-line via the Illawarra Regional Airport’s website.

“So far, the Gold Coast has been the most requested route, with 43 percent of respondents selecting this destination,” Mr Webster said.

“Brisbane was the next most requested destination, voted by 23 percent of respondents.”

Mr Webster said the results from the survey would be the basis for preparing a new master plan for the Illawarra Regional Airport.

“This will involve environmental impact studies, consultation with community and business representatives, evaluation of infrastructure requirements and feasibility studies,” he said.

“The study brief has yet to be finalised and we are hoping to receive an expression of interest from consultants within the next four to six weeks, but it may be mid-year before we receive responses.”

Mr Webster said the survey results would be made available to regional airlines.

“Some airlines have shown an interest in establishing services here,” he said.

“The research will not affect how the Illawarra Regional Airport funds its infrastructure and operational costs, which is through leases and airport charges.”

Mr Webster said the direct flights would be of great benefit to the residents of the Illawarra, saving on travel times and costs.

“There would no longer be the need to travel to Sydney Airport, and incur associated costs in travel, parking, or time delays in ticketing and baggage handling,” he said.

The survey was conducted from July 2007 to February 2008.