The community can still voice their support of the fight to secure the future of the Wagga Wagga Airport, with a public survey and petition to remain open while Council continues to lobby for a meeting with Defence to discuss the issue.
Council's current 30-year lease of the airport from the Commonwealth Department of Defence has been extended to 30 June 2026, but Council remains concerned Defence will still pursue the option to privatise the airport through a commercial lease.
In May, Council launched its fight for our airport's future community advocacy campaign calling on local and surrounding communities to voice why it is important for the airport to remain in the community's hands.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout welcomed the strong response received from residents, stakeholders, and businesses.
"We want to say 'thank you' to the Wagga Wagga and regional community for their support for the fight to secure the future of the airport lease," Cr Tout said.
"While we are still analysing all the data and feedback collected so far, the support has been overwhelming, with more than 97 per cent in favour of the lease with Council being renewed.
"The importance of and reliance on the airport as a link to connect the region, providing critical connections for families, business, tourism, education and health services was evident in the feedback."
Over the six weeks to 1 July 2024, Council received a total of 426 responses, comprising stakeholder letters of support, submissions via Council's Have Your Say Wagga online platform and hard copy submissions, emails received directly through Council and signatures on petitions.
Executive Manager, Regional Activation - Projects Christine Priest said the feedback reinforced the significance of the airport as a gateway for the region.
"There were concerns about the potential impacts of privatisation on the cost and number of flights," Ms Priest said.
"The responses covered many areas, but some specifically focused on the vital link the airport plays in providing access to health specialists who use the airport and people who use air travel to access medical treatment, along with our community's ability to access metropolitan and international locations when required.
"There were also concerns about what privatisation would mean for the money the community has put towards all airport facilities over the years, with potentially a private provider benefitting from this investment operator at the expense of ratepayers."
The submissions are being reviewed at present and these will be provided to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Honourable Richard Marles.
"A meeting was scheduled between Council and Defence a number of weeks ago, however, this unfortunately was postponed by Defence and was to be rescheduled," Cr Tout said.
"Council is still waiting for another date to be booked in which we are hopeful will occur in the coming weeks.
"If any community members have not yet responded and would like the opportunity to do so, we have left the survey open at this stage and are welcoming any further submissions whilst we work towards a positive outcome for the community."
Submissions can be made online at haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/airport-future
