Runaway deputation
Extensions to Christchurch Airport’s runway will be sought again next week when a. deputation from Christchurch meets the Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr McLachlan). The deputation will include the president of the South Island Local Bodies Association (Mr O. H. Jackson) and. tire chairman of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce (Mr A. F. Crothall). “We hope to convince them that approval should be given to the runway extension without further delay,” said the Mayor (Mr Hamish Hay), in a speech to the Christchurch West Lions Club last evening. Mr Hay said that the runway extensions, originally estimated to cost $4.37 mil-
lion could be financed out of airport reserves. Costs would inevitably rise with delays. Even if a start was authorised immediately, the job would cost $5 million to $6 million, the Mayor said. “If it is good enough for the Government . to contemplate approving the runway extensions next year, then they should be approved in principle right now. Every six months delay will add $500,000 to the final cost,” he said. The Christchurch City Council is an equal partner with the Government in the running of the airport. Mr Hay said that the Government had made no capital contribution to the airport since 1955. “Recent developments have been entirely financed from operating surpluses —
no resort to taxpayer funds has been necessary,” he said. Mr Hay said that the delegation would also meet the Minister of Customs (Mr Templeton) to discuss planned amendments to airport landing charges. The amendments will cost the airport $570,000 a year. Mr Hay said that users of Christchurch Airport would pay a charge to the Government 27.8 per cent higher than Wellington for domestic traffic and 82.7 per cent higher for international traffic-
“Our future revenue will thus be diverted to assist in the development of Wellington Airport to the extent of over $500,000 a year,” he said.
“This is grossly discriminatory against an efficient airport such as Christchurch.
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Press, 28 August 1980, Page 4
Word Count
326Runaway deputation Press, 28 August 1980, Page 4
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