Location & Overview

On offer is a magnificent opportunity to purchase a 600-acre property in the Bluewater region near Townsville, Queensland, with approvals now in place for commercial development with aviation-related usage. Future development can be multi-faceted across multiple sectors, or as a single-use opportunity for a business to gateway to the Tropical North Queensland regions, or as an international hub into Asia and the Asia-Pacific regions.

This is a rare, if not unprecedented, opportunity to own and develop one of Australia’s most strategic access opportunities by air available now, with expansion available for future development.

Potential usage and approvals

The commercial, aviation-related approvals are confirmed by a recent Supreme Court (Court of Appeal) decision (2021 judgement available upon request). This paves the way for ‘unfettered’ commercial aviation-related uses in combination with supporting, or related businesses to invest.

Vegetation

Vegetation clearing agreements are in place with the relevant State Department, and these are fully negotiable upon presentation by developers. The second runway can be cleared immediately (or by negotiation with the Vendors). The Riparian Conservation Zone at the runway ends are council maintained with no built obstructions at all four runway ends, and no building permitted inside these nature reserve areas, for excellent approach take-off slope clearance.

Runways & hangars

The runways are east/west at approximately 2,400m TORA and north/south at 1900m TORA with additional capacity for a second parallel north/south runway to 1600m TORA. These runways will be able to configure all required instrument approaches.

The north-south runway tarmac and taxiway runoff areas are fully built. The runway has been fully dug, and prepared with a light tarmac veneer added. Additional aggregate can be built-in to increase the PCA runway rating for large-capacity RPT and freighters, which the Vendors have reserved for the future development, depending on needs. Light hangar developments have been built for vehicular and machinery storage, and a temporary residence is in place. Bore water is in place or available across multiple locations.

Drainage has been carefully designed into the runway area to allow for all-weather operations and fully flood-resistant operations. The turning circles have been built to the edges, ready for any future upgrade works.

Access & facilities

The airport land is easily accessible, with council obligation to clear land in the splay. Entry into the airfield can be adjusted to suit the requirements of the new owner. Future possible entry is to the west, from Blue Mountain drive (future development). Importantly, a main entry to Bruce Highway is a future possibility flagged with council, with availability and support for an industrial estate roadway to be built from the highway for easy access. This will allow for larger industrial and commercial vehicular access. An existing railway line runs along the Bruce Highway (Ingham/Cairns/Townville) within a few kilometres of the boundary.

The property is naturally raised and is not subject to flooding. Importantly, Council has an obligation to repair, maintain and prevent any formed erosion on the boundary areas of the property.

As well as the commercial opportunities, Bluewater offers an attractive, air-accessible wilderness reserve for camping, glamping, canoeing and other recreational activities. The area is pristine, with surrounding council areas practically untouched and easily accessible with modern vehicles. Importantly, the only reasonable access to some of these areas is via the Bluewater Airport site.

Airspace

Bluewater Airport is 16 nautical miles from Townsville Airport, 37 nautical miles from Ingham Airport, and 52 nautical miles from both Charters Towers and Ayr Airports.

Bluewater Airport and the surrounding airspace is not limited in any material way (ie Military Airspace). There is a clear circuit area up to 2500' AMSL (approx 2300 AGL). The airport is situated within a SSR radar area (TVL) with Approach / Departure services from TVL.

Military support continues toward Bluewater Airport, partly because it will relieve the tensions and congestion at Townsville Airport. Recent airspace changes around Townsville have been discussed with the military on the basis of the future intentions of Bluewater Airport.

All runways can sustain all NAVAIDs and s the military has already been alerted to potential requirement for modifications to all relevant restricted areas.

Enquiries and expressions of interest should be directed to:

Nicholas Christie
Light Aircraft Sales

M. +61 466649868

E. nicholas@lightaircraftsales.com.au