I think it's time to move the RAAF base to say Evens Head, and let Newcastle Airport become the regions Second Major International Airport!, If the government has to build and pay for a second airport why not make it one for the RAAF....
The govt doesn't build and pay for civilian airports anymore. They sell them.
Why should the taxpayers give up a RAAF base to a civilian airport operator. If more capacity is required, they can pay for a 2nd runway or another greenfield airport. The govt isn't in the airport business anymore and shouldn't be giving up strategic assets to private companies.
The taxpayer cost to establish an alternate RAAF base is unjustified.