This exceeds the CASA recommendation that the runway be resealed every seven years.

It is interesting to note that the runway was not sealed for twenty years before the upgrade

There is obviously some mistake with the apparent council claim that resurfacing the runway will cost $9m, when the whole recent upgrade of the runway including a 300mm overlay and new surface cost about $6m.

Before the upgrade was done I believe the council tried to justify the $6m expenditure by stating that it would be maintenance free for 20 years. This is very different to saying the runway base would have a 20 year life which is now claimed.

It is interesting to note that a report by on the original runway by “Aurecon” consultants before the upgrading carried out, stated that the original runway base would permit “unlimited operations” of aircraft up to 25 tonnes which includes SAAB 340.

I believe that the recent $6m upgrade, apart from being unnecessary, is basically defective, and that future maintenance will be ongoing and expensive. 

Time will tell if I am wrong.

John Moffatt

Pambula