Summary
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD)1 is undertaking planning activities for a proposal to construct and operate a new aerodrome near Davis research station in the Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica (the Davis Aerodrome Project). The Davis Aerodrome Project would involve the construction of a 2.7 kilometre paved runway to support intercontinental flights to and from Hobart, Australia. The aerodrome would also support a range of intra-continental aviation activity. The planning activities include progressing the environmental impact assessments and approvals that would be required for the Davis Aerodrome Project to proceed. The proposal will be subject to the highest level of environmental scrutiny, including through the preparation and circulation of a Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation (CEE) in accordance with the requirements of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. Australia would be pleased to discuss the Davis Aerodrome Project and provide further information, including through planned online consultation sessions.