Garrett approves Jandakot expansion

Jandakot Airport has received final approval for its planned $60 million expansion, on condition that it protects an endangered cockatoo and native orchid species by buying land and providing $150,000 a year towards research.

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett today announced he would allow development at Western Australia's Jandakot Airport, provided there are measures to protect the Carnaby's black cockatoo, threatened orchids, bandicoots and wallabies.

Last week Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese approved the master plan for Jandakot Airport for the expansion of aviation facilities.

A fourth runway will be built as part of more than $60 million of construction, which also includes new hangars and larger taxiing areas for planes.

Mr Garrett said he had considered the impact the development would have on the species and the area, and was satisfied the extension could proceed without unacceptable impacts.

The developers must also create a conservation area on airport land, he said.

"Jandakot Airport Holdings must buy and protect more than 1600 hectares of Carnaby's black cockatoo habitat as well as provide $150,000 per year towards recovery and research activities for this species," Mr Garrett said in a statement.

"This is one of the best environmental outcomes achieved in a Western Australian development for the Carnaby's black cockatoo."

The conservation area would require rehabilitation of 110 hectares of land next to the airport, and plans to manage and monitor native species and control weeds and feral animals.

Greg King, director of Ascot Capital which owns Jandakot Airport, told WA Business News that he welcomes Mr Garrett's approval and the environmental conditions.

"We understand we have some onerous environmental conditions but we believe we need to make a contribution and I think we are making a significant contribution [through the master plan]," he said.

Mr King added that the land purchase would need to be discussed further with both the state and federal environment departments.

Mr Garrett has also prohibited any chemical-dependent businesses or chemical storage, and ordered the company to upgrade airport infrastructure to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination.

The airport must also donate $700,000 to the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority's rare orchid program, and any protected orchids in areas to be cleared must be relocated to conservation areas.

Mr King said the airport already has a program in place in relation to the orchid issue, and will look to implement the program over the next five years.