The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and Peninsula Aero Club (PAC) have welcomed VCAT’s findings of PAC’s application for a Declaration.
Council says the judgement provides clarity around the interpretation and application of the planning permits and the activities that take place on the land, providing certainty for the operators, businesses and the community.
“As the Responsible Authority, Council has a duty to ensure compliance with the provisions of its planning scheme and planning permits,” the Council said in a statement.
“Both Council and PAC acknowledged that it was in everyone’s interest to seek a decision from VCAT as the independent umpire.”
Council was last year ordered to pay $32,000 to PAC for costs incurred in disagreements over airfield permits between the two parties.
A five-day hearing at VCAT in February followed an application by PAC and Westernport Airfield seeking declarations from the Tribunal to clarify their rights.
The key outcomes of VCAT’s findings include:
- Use of the east-west runway for small aircraft (under 4500 pounds);
- Permission for small aircraft to fly at night;
- Use of the Airport for planes and helicopters;
- Limitations around movements of large aircraft (over 4500 pounds);
“It is great to finally have a definitive position from VCAT as the independent umpire,” said Mayor, Anthony Marsh.
“VCAT’s decision provides Council, the Peninsula Aero Club and everyone in the community certainty into the future.
“We look forward to working with the Peninsula Aero Club and seeing our local aviation sector thrive as they move forward with confidence about their operations.”
PAC President, Jack Vevers said the Club was pleased to have received a “much-awaited” decision from the independent body.
“VCAT’s decision gives everyone absolute certainty and it’s time to accept it and get back to flying and sharing the airport with the community,” he said.
“We welcome the improved relationship with the Shire moving forward.”
