House of Representatives Notice Paper Question No 791
Schedule Number: 300184		 Publication Date: 12 August 2009
Hansard: Page 7752

Royal Australian Air Force: Learmonth Base

 Member: Haase

Mr Haase asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence in writing, on 23 June 2009:

In respect of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Learmonth Base, Western Australia: (a) will an increase in commercial passenger air movement affect RAAF operations; (b) on what date will the current lease arrangements between the Commonwealth and the Shire of Exmouth expire; and (c) what are the critical issues determining an extension or renewal of this lease.

Mr Combet - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. A modest increase in the number of civil flights (i.e. a few per day) at RAAF Learmonth would have minimal effect on the Air Force’s operations.
  2. The Exmouth Shire was granted a 30 year lease that commenced on 8 March 1993 and expires on 7 March 2023.
  3. The current lease is not compliant with the Airports Act 1996 and will not be extended.  If the Shire of Exmouth require a lease beyond 2023, a new compliant lease will be required.  The lease will also need to address issues associated with the use of Defence infrastructure such as runway usage and the management of aircraft operations.

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