Operation into the future
As described, the Kangaroo Island Airport was designed to be a fit for purpose and proficient passenger handling facility and it is proven to be able to do this very well.
As with most regional airports there are not continuous aircraft arrivals and departures and when the airport is not being an airport, it is a large public building that has potential uses for functions, meetings and as a business incubator.
We have installed the expected flight information display system at check-in counters, departure gates etc however have enabled dual use of these digital systems for business advertising and promotion of the Island’s key attractions.
The facility included provision of gallery, wall hanging and lighting system in order for the airport to exhibit a wide range of arts from sculpture to fabrics, paintings, collages, photography and striking Kangaroo Island Brand images.
The first exhibition contained 50 pieces of art from 22 Island Artists of all shaped, sizes and mediums both inside and out. The exhibition has been widely recognised as a resounding success with people visiting the airport simply to see the art. In the first 2 months of the exhibition, over $20,000 of art displayed was sold to visitors and Islanders alike. The artists involved have commented on the increased level of interest they are fielding as a result of their art being seen at the airport.
It is Council’s intent to host 3 exhibitions each year at the airport.
The café/retail/kitchen facilities are to be managed by the Mobo Group, a not-for-profit organization that specialises in providing support and services to the disadvantaged and in doing this they will be creating the Island’s first social enterprise. It is intended that this initial start will be the catalyst for the expansion of this enterprise to provide other airport related services or other commercial services for our community.
These employees, will learn life skills, receive formal training and gainful employment under full supervision, all of which will provide them with the best opportunity for future work in our Community.
With the availability of café/retail there are opportunities for the general public and visitors not flying to visit the airport for the combined purposes of viewing the artwork while enjoying enjoy the food and drink and having the opportunity to buy the best of authentic Kangaroo Island produce in a modern environment.
The airport’s location, at the confluence of sealed roads to all quarters of the Island combined with its proximity to the largest township, Kingscote, creates great potential for future business development and meeting opportunities and as a food/wine destination in its own right.
It is always hard to describe the vision that underpins the use and development of public infrastructure like this for other than its core purpose and we believe that it is best articulated through experiencing the building itself and the following short video explains the translation from plan to reality.