Clarification sought on runway plans

Press, 25 November 1981, Page 1

Clarification sought on runway plans

Clarification of the issues surrounding Christchurch airport’s runway extensions has been asked of the Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr McLachlan). A three-question telegram has been sent to the Minister by the newly formed South Island Aviation Forum. The telegram asks whether the 1217-metre ex- ’ tensions will enable fully laden aircraft to fly non-stop to Singapore, Honolulu, and other Pacific destinations, and if the cost of the extra facilities needed will not further delay the extensions. In addition, the telegram asks for an assurance that there will be positive answers to these questions at a meeting to be held on December 15 between the' Deputy Mayor of Christchurch. Cr Rex Lester, and the Director of Civil Aviation. Captian E. T. Kippefiberger. The forum represents air carriers, the Chamber of Commerce, the .Christchurch Airport Authority, Federated Farmers, local bodies, manufacturer's associations, ' the National Travel Association, and the South Island Promotion Association. The decision to send the telegram was made after a press release from Mr McLachlan was read. to the forum meeting. In the release, Mr McLachlan said that the

Government had already given a commitment for the extension of the runway. Earlier this year, the Cabinet had given approval in principle. Officials of his department had been discussing the final length of the runway, the costings, and the required amenities with the Christchurch Airport Authority, he said. It was not possible to meet earlier than December 15 because Captain Kippenberger and. Cr Lester, were not available; sooner. The telegram was sent in answer to a pledge by Labour members of Parliament to’approve the 1217 m extension and to restore airport dues to the same level as Wellington and Auckland. This, support was given in response to a call for action in a letter circulated by Cr Lester. Mr McLachlan has replied, however, that the Labour Party candidates in the Christchurch area were simply playing politics with the issue. “They surely must realise the need for detailed planning before final approval can be given,” he said in the press release. The .decision by the forum meeting tb send the telegram was unanimous. However, to make the telegram non-poli-tical; it was decided that it would seek the answers for .

December 15 rather than before the General Election on Saturday. The chairman of the meeting and the president of the South Island Promotion Association, Mr H. J. Walker, said that the Government would surely not give approval for road diversion round the airport if it did not intend the extensions to go ahead as soon as possible. Fire tenders for each end of the runway, the extra lighting, and other requirements would cost $3.5 million, he said. Mr I. Rivers said that there had been constant meetings with the Government since April, and if answers to definite questions were not sought the issue might go on for another three or four months. Mr - W. Richardson said that the extensions were a priority for manufacturers. The Mayor of Christchurch. Mr Hamish Hay. who sat in on the meeting, said that he disagreed with Cr Lester. There was a lot of politicking going on about the issue, and the council and forum ran the risk of being drawn into it. he said. Confusion over the issue was not at Cabinet level but. at officer level. “1 think some officers have been mucking about on this, and probably confusing the Minister.’’ he said.