Shire plans for new cross runway to support RFDS and firefighting

The Shire of Jerramungup is proposing an extension of the Bremer Bay Airport to make the facility more functional and safe.

The project would involve the clearing of 8ha of vegetation to accommodate an additional cross runway, running north-west to south-east, enabling aircraft to safely land in various wind directions.

In accordance with the Shire’s adopted Bremer Bay Airport Master Plan, the Shire has submitted a clearing permit application for consideration by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

The runway upgrade would increase the capacity of the airfield to service emergency response aircraft.

The cross runway is needed to support the use of the airport in all weather conditions and would support the Royal Flying Doctor Service, firefighting in the adjacent Fitzgerald River National Park and town services.

A flora and fauna survey has been conducted by an ecologist which has identified the likely presence of Kwongkan shrubland on a percentage of the proposed clearing.

The project would have a direct impact on 4.4ha of Kwongkan shrubland classed as a threatened ecological community.

The proposed cross runway was a recommendation of the adopted Bremer Bay Airfield Master Plan 2015.

It was identified as key infrastructure in supporting the growth of Bremer Bay and to support firefighting at theFitzgerald River National Park.

The Shire has prepared detailed design drawings for the new cross runway and reached out to the WA EPA to discuss clearing requirements.