Airservices Australia has begun site preparation work for a temporary radar facility at Machans Beach, north of Cairns, in order to maintain current levels of radar coverage in the region while a more permanent radar facility is upgraded.
The site, which is already owned by Airservices, was chosen to host the temporary radar because of its ideal location in being able to accurately track aircraft approaching and departing Cairns Airport, while the main Cairns Terminal Area Radar (CTAR) is out of service.
A transportable radar previously used in Sydney and Melbourne is currently being shipped to Cairns, and will be operated for up to 12 months, while a $5.5 million upgrade is carried out on the CTAR facility.
