Up and away: Gary Baum at Lethbridge Airpark.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
LETHBRIDGE Airpark is applying for funds to become the region’s general aviation hub, according to owner Gary Baum.
Mr Baum said surveys were recently completed to realign the facility’s twin runways.
“We also hope to seal the runways and put lighting in,” he said.
State Government last week opened applications to the $20 million Regional Aviation Fund.
Mr Baum said he had “a queue” of aviation investors ready to build $3 million worth of hangars at the airpark.
“We have 65 aircraft housed here now and more than 100 flying club members.”
Mr Baum said the airpark was recently rezoned from farming to special purpose, enabling improvements to go ahead.
“Our operations plan will be submitted to Golden Plains Shire this week.”
Mr Baum said the 10-to-15-degree realignment would make the airpark “more neighbour friendly”.
“It will give us greater clearance from houses when we develop both runways to 1000 metres long and either 60 or 80 metres wide.
“The biggest aircraft we will take is 5700kg, which is roughly a 10-seater.”
Mr Baum said the airpark would focus on the smaller end of the general aviation market.
“I don’t see regular commuter runs through here but there’ll be a lot of tourism and charter work and general aviation training.”
“The business market is growing because we can do a return flight to southern New South Wales or Adelaide in a day.”
Mr Baum said passenger aviation would go through Avalon.
The study also recommended that City of Greater Geelong, Avalon Airport and State Government collaborate on a long-term development plan to attract and accommodate commercial segments of the general aviation market.
Avalon chief Justin Giddings said he was seeking confirmation from State Government that Avalon was eligible.
“There are a lots of things we’d like to do but we have to check with the bureaucrats first.”
