BATHURST AIRPORT MEETING SUCCESS.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia, along with Bathurst Airport business and user representatives today met with Bathurst Mayor, Graeme Hanger, Council General Manager, David Shirley, and Director of Engineering Services, Darren Sturgess, discussing a wide range of general aviation industry and airport user concerns, focussing on the issue of access and affordability.

The AOPA Australia called on Bathurst Council to;

1. Establish a working relationship with its local general aviation businesses and users, formally through an Airport Advisory Committee, seeking to better understand aviation community needs and financial limitations.

2. Adopt a new Council policy position with respect to airport finance operations, understanding the value and importance the airport provides the greater Bathurst Region, identifying that past policy expectations of full cost recovery is negatively impacting the performance and growth prospects of the asset and accelerating user decline.

3. Establish a sustainable and attractive general aviation property lease rates framework that serves to attract investment and opportunities for both the airport and greater Bathurst region.

At the completion of the meeting Council recognised the need to form an Airport Advisory Committee, comprising of local aviation business and airport user representatives, agreeing to formally recognise the Bathurst AAC and committing to four quarterly meetings each year.

The Council has also recognised the need to review its policy with respect to full cost recovery, agreeing to initiate meetings between the Bathurst AAC, AOPA Australia and all Bathurst Councillors, with a view towards developing a sustainable outcome.

The AOPA Australia commends the Bathurst Council for openly and robustly debating the issues and concerns today. Additionally we are encouraged by the Councils willingness to continue our discussions, seeking to identify a sustainable and positive outcome for the aviation community.

Our next meeting will be held in early July 2018.

BENJAMIN MORGAN
AOPA Australia - Executive Director

NOT A MEMBER? WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Join today: www.aopa.com.au/membership