A new airport proposed for Tarras is a viable proposition despite expectations for a low-carbon future, its backer says.
Christchurch International Airport Ltd has proposed a new airport in Tarras to meet forecasted increased demand for travellers to Central Otago and Queenstown-Lakes.
In its latest newsletter, project director Michael Singleton said Christchurch Airport was often challenged — as any airport project should be — about how it would meet clean green expectations and "fit into a low-carbon future".
"We understand why, at first glance, the idea raises eyebrows — particularly as the impacts of climate change are made clear in multiple weather events around the country.
"It is easy for some to dismiss this project," he said.
"But the reality is, New Zealand is uniquely reliant on aviation and part of our national network, in Central Otago, will reach its capacity in the future.
"If we fail to plan for that, Central Otago communities economic and social wellbeing will suffer."
The airport was taking a long-term approach to decarbonise and adapt infrastructure, he said.
It had announced plans to build a 150MW solar farm on 300ha of land beside the Christchurch Airport.
Mr Singleton said the research phase of the development was in full swing, with researchers looking at flora and fauna, soil and water on and around the site.
"We’re also progressing the aeronautical analysis and gathering data to inform environmental assessments that may ultimately be required."
Ornithologists were studying birdlife within a 50km radius of the proposed airport site, and a detailed study capturing data from all four seasons would take about 12 months.
Recording devices had also been set up to gather bioacoustic data in the area.
The devices helped identify bird species, measure behaviour and bird abundance.
The site’s aeronautical capabilities and two proposed runway alignments were still being assessed, and a preferred runway had not yet been identified.
"The quality of the analysis is very high and we’re awaiting one final input to complete that assessment," Mr Singleton said.
"It’s to be completed by a third party. The pace of the restart of aviation in recent months has meant they’re having to focus their resources on that, but our work is firmly on their agenda."
