‘Regional air’ set for Avalon

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Avalon is firming as the preferred site for a new regional airport facility, according to civic leaders.
But Geelong Airport operator Andrew Townley said siting the facility at Avalon would cost him a significant part of his business.
The airport, which caters for charter, pilot training and recreational aviation at Grovedale, has closed to visiting aircraft and will close permanently in June when it becomes part of a Villawood residential development at Armstrong Creek.
South Barwon MP Andrew Katos said he supported developing a new regional facility at Avalon alongside the area’s existing domestic passenger airport.
“The Coalition made an election commitment to a $150,000 feasibility study into a Geelong regional airport. We have to wait and see what the recommendations are but the Baillieu Government clearly sees Avalon of high and ongoing importance.”
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell said Avalon was Geelong’s “jewel in the crown”.
“Avalon is a package, so it makes sense to centre aviation facilities there,” he said.
Avalon Airport chief Justin Giddings supported the feasibility study.
“It’s a good idea because there might be other sites putting their hands up,” he said.
“We’ve told State Government we are keen to have it. It would not impact on housing, would work in well with the main airport with regard to traffic control and fire services and would have easy access to all areas of Geelong with the ring road.”
But Mr Townley said he would lose scenic joy flight customers and some pilot training business if the regional aviation services went to Avalon.
“A fair bit of our business is scenic joy flights down the coast and Avalon would add half an hour flying time and associated costs. I don’t think people would pay the extra, so I’d lose that side of the business.
“With flying training, we’d have inexperienced students mixing it with commercial jets flying around, which could be a worry.”
Mr Townley said the Grovedale site had a chance of securing a month-by-month extension
“We’ve set up a satellite base at Tocumwal to allow us to operate. We’d prefer to stay and operate locally but this issue might not be settled by the time we have to move.”
Mr Townley said he would prefer to site his business south of Geelong.
“Something along Anglesea Road or west of Fyansford, with access to the ring road would work well for us.”
Mr Townley said he believed the feasibility study would be complete by June but could be delayed to September.