General questions

Q: What measures exist to protect the environment at leased federal airports?

A: The Airports Act 1996 provides a system for regulating the Commonwealth's 22 leased federal airports. This includes regulating environmental management at 20 of the Airports. The Airports Act also provides that for each of the 20 core and prescribed airports there is to be a final Master Plan that includes an airport environment strategy approved by the responsible Minister.

Slot Management at Sydney Airport is governed by the Sydney Airport Demand Management Act 1997 (the Act). The Act and associated legislative instruments set out a framework for the long-term management of demand at the Airport. The Act establishes a regime intended to control the scheduled movement times of airlines so that no more than 80 runway movements occur in any hour. The movement limit is an essential element of noise sharing and achieving balance between the efficient use of the airport and broader environmental impacts.

Q: What is an Airport Building Controller?

A: The Secretary of the department has appointed an Airport Building Controller (ABC) at each core-regulated airport. The ABC is responsible for ensuring that activities at these airports meet the appropriate building and engineering standards.

Building and construction activities at 'core-regulated' airports must be approved by the Airport Building Controller (ABC). The ABC is appointed under the Airports Act 1996 and the Airports (Building Control) Regulations 1996 (the regulations) to administer the airport building control regime. Airport Lessee Companies (ALCs) must also approve the activity from a planning and airport operational perspective.