Agree with Mr Leadie.Another few points I would like to add is when these airports were handed over to councils it almost always came with a lump sum for future maintenance.There is no doubt the federal govt screwed the councils over as it was never enough,but,that said did they invest it and use it for what it was intended for? Hell no it was in most cases used as general revenue for other non aviation purposes.
Secondly when the runway needs resurfacing this is nearly always funded mostly by a goverment grant.The council in most cases has neither the funds or expertise to do it themselves. And who causes it to need resurfacing? Not GA. Heavy aircraft such as RPT and military thats who. So they should pay for it.Same goes for security. What threat to the nations security a C172 or Warrior poses I have no idea. So we all have to pay for fences and locked gates,screening etc for what? A lock only keeps an honest man out. Anyone who wanted to cause trouble only needs a $20 bulk cutter from Bunnings and turn up out of business hours and can have a free run at it as the fences are only wire mesh FFS!