By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG is without a designated general aviation base after a deal to move light aircraft to Avalon fell through, according to industry sources.
A $150,000 State Government study in 2011 recommended a $25 million regional airport at Avalon on the site of Australia’s international airshow.
The study, commissioned after Geelong Airport closed at Grovedale, recommended that council, Avalon Airport and State Government “collaborate to develop a long term development plan at Avalon Airport”.
Avalon Airport’s existing master plan includes establishment of a new general aviation runway. But the deal to move regional general aviation to Avalon fell through because of capacity restraints and its comparatively high landing fees, industry sources confirmed.
Lethbridge Airport has become the default base for general aviation, even though it is a grass airstrip.
Aviation minister Gordon Rich-Phillips recently announced a $1 million upgrade of Lethbridge Airport, including sealing of runways, additional maintenance facilities and creation of a helipad and fuelling area.
Lethbridge Airport owner Gary Baum said general aviation had nowhere else to go since the closure of Grovedale’s airport to make way foresidential development.
“We’re virtually the default recreational aviation base now,” Mr Baum said.
“Aircraft have to go elsewhere to be serviced, so we want to upgrade our maintenance facilities and our fuel services. That will come in time.”
Mr Baum said the upgrade announcement was a “boost in the arm” for the airport.
“I’m keen to put hand up for bit more once new runway is done. The Government wants to see some action from us to demonstrate we can run a good operation.”
Mr Baum said he was already planning for the future, with a two-storey terminal and function area and a redesigned airport layout on the drawing board.
