HANGER AND OFFICE FOR WYONG AIRSTRIP
Proposed Aircraft Strip and Terminal
Wyong Shire Council last Thursday gave permission for the erection of an aircraft hangar, administration office and an amenities block at the Wyong Airstrip now being developed off Pollock Avenue.
However, it will be pointed out to Wyong Air Services that the buildings will have to be demolished in 12 months’ time if no final approval for the airstrip is granted by the Civil Aviation Department.
The airway company’s application to erect the buildings—for safeguard against possible vandalism—came before council in the town planner’s reports.
Cr. C. Hinds (Deputy Shire President) asked if the airstrip, which is still being developed, could measure up to requirements for a light aircraft passenger and freight service as well as charter flights.
Shire President, Cr. M. Chalmers, said this was very doubtful.
“Whether it could be used for anything but an authorised landing strip is between this company and the DCA,” he said.
“If Warnervale (airstrip) is brought in, this one would probably be phased out.”
Cr. L. Hope said it would be uneconomic for the company to erect a hangar and other buildings for only 12 months.
Cr. Chalmers said this was entirely a matter for the company to decide.
The buildings might be permanent or they might not.
“As Mr. Fitzpatrick says, the project does not even have State Planning Authority approval yet,” he said.
“If SPA approval is forthcoming, this matter would then be subject to a further council resolution.”
Council resolved on a motion moved by Cr. V. Lewis and seconded by Cr. W. J. Braithwaite that recommendations made by Mr. Fitzpatrick be adopted subject to a clarification that Wyong Air Services has a suitable title to the land where it operates in Pollock Avenue.
The town planner’s full report and recommendations were as follows:
On 7th June, 1971 and 25th May, 1972, Council approved in principle a development proposal for a light aircraft strip and transport terminal for Wyong Air Services to operate private and commercial aircraft on the subject land, subject to conditions and the approval of the State Planning Authority.
The construction of the airstrip is currently proceeding. The land is zoned Non-Urban (1a) under the Prescribed Wyong Planning Scheme and unchanged in the Exhibited Warring Scheme.
On the 11th January, 1973 Council resolved to allow Mr. Parry to remove trees subject to submission of a plan for the approval of the Tree Preservation Officer, and that Mr. Parry be authorised to widen [Axis] drain under the supervision of the Shire Engineer, and the Council provide piping for installation in Warren Avenue to provide access to the air strip.
A further development application was received by Council on 5th February, 1973 for road closing of Julia Avenue.
Continued on Page 2.
