Albanese sends Jandakot back to drawing board

by Jennifer McCarthy

April 9, 2008

THE federal transport minister has directed Jandakot Airport to respond to a raft of environmental concerns over its proposed fourth runway, including the threat to the endangered Grand Spider Orchid.

“We are working together with the federal authorities to try and resolve the perceived issues,” airport managing director John Fraser said this week.

Only 1500 Grand Spider Orchids remain in the wild. Jandakot’s plans to clear 102 hectares of native bush for the runway would disturb 200 of the plants.

“We are actively working together with the world’s foremost orchid expert Dr Kingsley Dixon,” Mr Fraser assured.

The airport has promised to conserve an area containing 127 orchids. It also plans to relocate 75 orchids under Dr Dixon’s watchful gaze.

However, previous efforts to relocate the orchids have been only partially successful. According to a report by the federal environment department, of 22 orchids relocated to make way for the Roe Highway extension only 11 were found alive in 2006.

Orchids also went when bush was cleared to build the park ‘n’ ride at Murdoch train station.

Separate to the runway proposal, the airport has also applied to the feds to shift an additional seven orchids to make way for a new road.

Mr Fraser said a fourth runway was needed at the airport to increase safety, and ease congestion.

“It’s an issue for safety for the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” he added.

Jandakot airport is the busiest airfield, and largest pilot training base in Australia. It houses other airborne services such as the WA Police Air Support and CALM Forest and Bushfire Patrol.

Businesses operating from Jandakot will “definitely” suffer if the new runway does not go ahead, says Warren Evans of the Jandakot Chamber of Commerce.