The draft master plan for Canberra Airport, to be made public this Sunday, proposes the establishment of a security industry enclave similar to California's Silicon Valley to build on the already substantial defence industry investment in the area.
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An airport spokeswoman said the active promotion of a defence industry precinct would help the ACT to move away from its heavy dependence on the public sector as its main economic driver.
The master plan, which has been under preparation since 2010. will be open for public comment until June 13. It includes guidelines for minimising noise and promoting safety with special attention being given to risks from wind shear, bird strike, lighting distractions and the encroachment of wind turbines.
The draft plan states that contracts for the sale of land in the South Tralee development near Queanbeyan will contain a clause advising purchasers ''this land is subject to aircraft noise at any time by the 24 hour/7 day (a week) passenger, freight and defence aircraft flight operations arriving and departing Canberra Airport''.
It also notes ''the ACT government has now advised (January 2014) (that) rezoning to permit new residential uses is not being proposed in either the Jerrabomberra Valley or in Symonston''. Concern is also expressed over recent talk of extending the Jerrabomberra Wetlands to the south of the airport on the grounds it would heighten the risk of bird strike. Airport planners welcomed an ACT government move to rectify this.
''(The government has advised it recognises the need for changes to the 2014 Draft Master Plan for Jerrabomberra Wetlands due to bird strike risk,'' the draft plan states.
The spokeswoman said there was keen interest within the organisation about using the existing development and infrastructure to drive future economic development.
''With the Majura Training Area, the Royal Military College, The Australian Defence Force Academy and the Campbell Park offices and the Australian Federal Police's increasing presence, the Majura Valley is already a key security valley for the Australian government,'' she said.
