Central Coast Council has adopted a masterplan for the Central Coast Airport which it says will provide improved opportunities for emergency services, aviation education and strong economic growth.
The Airport Masterplan was informed through extensive industry and community engagement over the past four years, the Council said in a statement.
A key element in the adoption of the Masterplan by Council is the confirmation of the protection of the Porters Creek Wetland and surrounding areas of high ecological value through a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement (BSA), the highest level of environmental protection available in NSW. In essence, the values of Porters Creek Wetland will be protected in perpetuity.
“There have been many technical, financial, social and environmental complexities worked through in the development of the Masterplan, and we are pleased that through community and business engagement, we have arrived at this point,” said Council Director Environment and Planning, Jamie Loader.
The Central Coast Airport, situated on 44 hectares of land zoned E4 (General Industrial), is planned to be upgraded to a Code 1B aerodrome. The upgrades to the runway will not result in an extension of the current 1200 metre runway length, and the Airport would not support regular public airport transport use. The key focus of the Masterplan is to attract and support general aviation activities, including aerial work, instructional flying and recreational flying, as well as providing an important hub for emergency services.
Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the masterplan was being developed to guide Council’s management of airport infrastructure and support for aviation services.
“The purpose of developing the Masterplan is to examine the airport’s existing uses and consider its future potential,” Mayor McKinna said.
“The Masterplan considers opportunities that could make more efficient use of technology, potentially create new jobs, and support emergency services.
“The implementation of any actions detailed in the Masterplan will be considered in a future budget of Council.”
The next steps, over the next two years, involve completing a rezoning, subdivision and biodiversity stewardship agreement. Upon completion of these implementation actions, a project milestone will be reached, known as Gateway 1. At this stage, a further report with available options, will be presented to Council for consideration.
