Youv'e got to admit that many airports use land extravagantly. A remnant from a bygone era when land was cheaper.
I actually think that Linfox's development of Essendon airport is a good example of how to get better use of the site while enhancing aviation facilities and activities. Essendon airport is an active aviation hub.
By contrast Goodman to an abysmal job of Moorabbin airport, which is little by little dying. Goodman demonstrate that they would rather have empty buildings and facilities rather than meet market pricing. Years ago, non aviation businesses chose to setup at Moorabbin airport because it was a good, active area. The most visible of these was Perkins V8 Supercar team. But, by contrast now we have aviation businesses choosing to leave the airport in favour of the local industrial estates. The highest profile example is Aviall. There can be no clearer illustration of how it has its head up its fundamental orifice.
But whose fault is it? The fault lies with a lazy public service who wrote patently flawed lease contracts. We have some very bad master tennants and we are stuck with them, with no get out of jail card.