The move follows a review of the new airspace system after a near- collision over Launceston on Christmas Eve.

Airservices Australia chose to install a radar system in Launceston ahead of other regional airports that face similar safety concerns.

Under new regulations introduced in late November, light aircraft can operate below 3000m without radio or radar contact, meaning that they can remain unnoticed by commercial aircraft, creating the risk of collision.

The installation of the radar will alleviate safety concerns at Launceston, and airports in Burnie, Devonport and Hobart will also experience some radar coverage. Australian Air Traffic Controllers Association president Ted Lang said that while the radar was a positive for Launceston and the State, it was a band-aid measure on a situation that could have been avoided by better planning.

"My guess is that the travelling public should have been afforded that (radar) protection a long time ago," he said. "It could well be that it's a knee-jerk reaction to the issue prior to Christmas and now (Airservices Australia) are seen to be doing something.

"My main concern is that in other places throughout Australia, including Hobart, the same airspace provisions prior to December 27 still exist and it is still a less than perfect situation."

Liberal Senator Guy Barnett said that Airservices Australia project manager Peter Evans would hold a public forum in Launceston on Friday at 12.30pm at Doherty Launceston International Hotel to discuss the new safety measures.

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