Toowoomba Regional Council has outlined a long-term vision for the region’s aerodromes that aims to strengthen planning, operations and financial sustainability while ensuring the facilities continue to support community, emergency, economic and aviation needs.
As part of the approach, Council confirmed it will retain public ownership of the facilities while pursuing a more coordinated and sustainable model for their future management.
It follows a recent operational review of Toowoomba City Aerodrome, Millmerran Aerodrome, Pittsworth Aerodrome and Crows Nest Helipad, which examined how Council can best manage the facilities to support future community, economic and aviation needs.
Toowoomba Region Aerodromes Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Carol Taylor said the preferred model would provide a more focused and coordinated approach to managing the Region’s aerodrome network.
“Our aerodromes support everything from emergency services and local businesses to rural communities and private aviation,” she said.
“It’s important that we manage these facilities in a way that is responsible and responsive to the needs of our Region.”
Cr Taylor said the review confirmed that the facilities continued to play an important role in supporting communities across the Region.
“The review recognised the value sites provide, particularly in supporting emergency response, regional connectivity and local aviation activity,” she said.
As part of the review, Council Transport and Drainage Planning portfolio spokesperson Councillor Trevor Manteufel said the Toowoomba City Aerodrome was identified as having the strongest potential to support future aviation activity, business growth and investment opportunities.
“There is significant opportunity at Toowoomba City Aerodrome and a dedicated management approach will help Council position the facility to support future growth while continuing to meet the needs of existing users,” he said.
“Other facilities will continue to be considered for the important rural, emergency and community support roles they provide.”
The next step will be detailed master planning to look at the future role of each site, possible improvements and opportunities for growth.
With the review received at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 18 August, Council will progress the recommendations of those findings through existing operational budgets, targeting ongoing operational savings.
