A report, prepared by the Maryborough Aerodrome Taskforce, was received by Council at a Meeting of Council this week (29/03).
In July 2021 Council appointed the six-person Taskforce to assist with the development of a Business Care and Master Plan around the future operation of the Aerodrome.
The Report provides an update on the progress of the Taskforce to date, as well as recommendations and options regarding short- and long-term risks and operations in operating the facility.
Apart from receiving the Taskforce Report, Council supported five recommendations at the meeting.
These include re-joining the Australian Airports Association and a series of short-term measures for maintaining the facility as an Aircraft Landing Area (ALA) to an adequate safety standard, while referring more substantial works to the Council budget process and potential external funding.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said the Taskforce had provided Council with a thorough and considered assessment of the Aerodrome.
"The contribution of the Taskforce has been invaluable, and we thank them for their time in pulling together such a detailed and comprehensive report. It has supported us to better understand how we can take this important asset forward and how it can best serve our community.
"The Aerodrome has and continues to be a priority for this Council. The endorsement of the five recommendations is the next critical step towards ensuring we can maintain a safe facility while exploring opportunities to leverage tourism, lifestyle, media and emergency services opportunities from the Aerodrome. Council believes this will create real benefits to our community and local economy."
Maryborough Aerodrome Taskforce Chair Neil Arbuthnot said the Taskforce thanks Council for the opportunity to provide a community perspective on the future of the aerodrome.
"The Taskforce comprising six community members with extensive experience in aerodrome operations, aviation activities and a strong interest in the Central Goldfields community's future was appointed by Council to provide advice to Council on the future of aerodrome.
"Presentation of the 29/03/2022 report follows eight months of deliberations comprising six Taskforce meetings and two briefings sessions for Council. At its meeting held on the 29/03/2022 Council unanimously endorsed the Taskforce recommendations providing for a three staged approach to managing, maintaining and operating the aerodrome.
"The Taskforce appreciates Council's support and recognition that the aerodrome is an important public asset providing an essential service to the Central Goldfields community.
"The immediate focus being on formalising operational documentation, improving management, maintenance, operational standards and protecting the aerodrome's current and future airspace from intrusion of development and tree growth penetration of the obstacle limitation surfaces (OLS) to provide a safe, reliable and fit for purpose aircraft landing area (ALA). The second and third stages of development culminating in a certified aerodrome with instrument approach subject to exemptions operating under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations. Stages two and three are aspirational being subject to community and related aviation activities demand and need justifying the expenditure. The aerodrome has in the past served our community well through fire, flood and emergency evacuations.
"The Taskforce approach will allow this to continue with improved safety and certainty for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft complying with the existing aerodrome construction rating. The Taskforce looks forward to working with Council and Council's administration to implement the recommendations."
The five recommendations endorsed by Councillors are:
- Re-join the Australian Airports Association.
- Obtain an independent assessment of risk management issues at Maryborough Aerodrome that identifies, prioritises and estimates costs for works on ground, an updated inspection and maintenance regime and a pilot notification and 'permission to land process
- Commence priority works that can be undertaken within the 2021-22 Operations budget
- Refer the allocation of funds for more extensive priority works at the Aerodrome to the 2022-23 Council Budget process
- Apply for funding under Round 3 of the Regional Airports Program
