A Major Win for General Aviation on the Central Coast
Central Coast Aero Club welcomes the decision to progress the Central Coast Airport Master Plan into Gateway 2, marking an important milestone for the future of aviation at Warnervale and the wider Central Coast region.
After years of planning, consultation and advocacy, the future of Central Coast Airport at Warnervale is taking another significant step forward.
At its meeting on 6 October 2026, Central Coast Council’s Economic Development Committee voted 4–2 to support the next stage of the Airport Master Plan, endorsing a staged approach to infrastructure improvements, aviation development and long-term financial sustainability.
The proposals and development priorities outlined in this article are drawn from Central Coast Council’s published Airport Master Plan documents and associated reports. CCAC is sharing this information to help members and the wider aviation community understand Council’s plans and their potential implications for Warnervale Airport.
For the Central Coast Aero Club (CCAC), which has operated at Warnervale for decades, the decision represents an encouraging commitment to protecting and developing an important regional aviation asset. It is also welcome news for local pilots, flying students, aviation businesses and the broader community who recognise the airport’s potential to contribute to employment, education, emergency services and economic growth.
Gateway 2: Turning the Master Plan into Action
With the initial Gateway 1 planning and assessment work substantially progressed, attention now turns to Gateway 2, which focuses on advancing the next stage of the airport’s development.
According to Central Coast Council’s published Master Plan documentation, Gateway 2 includes a range of proposed infrastructure, planning and operational initiatives. The following priorities summarise the actions identified by Council, rather than proposals developed by CCAC.
Key priorities identified by Council include:
- Taxiway improvements: Upgrading existing taxiways to improve aircraft ground operations, reduce maintenance costs and minimise damage caused by loose stones and debris.
- Runway and taxiway lighting: Installing improved lighting infrastructure to support aviation operations, with funding already allocated for lighting works in Council’s 2026–27 capital budget.
- Vegetation management: Addressing trees and other vegetation near the airport’s operational areas to protect safe aircraft operations.
- Airport planning approvals: Progressing the necessary planning proposals and biodiversity assessments to enable future development.
- North Sector development: Preparing land and enabling infrastructure for potential aviation-related businesses and other compatible commercial activities.
- Sewer and supporting infrastructure: Planning essential infrastructure improvements, including works along Jack Grant Avenue.
- Airport operations: Considering whether a suitably qualified external airport operator could provide a sustainable long-term operating model.
The Gateway 2 program also provides for further reporting to Council before major commitments are made. While some works remain subject to funding, environmental assessment and future approvals, the decision provides an important pathway for continued progress.
A Critical Step Forward for Central Coast Aero Club
One of the most significant aspects of the Master Plan for CCAC is the opportunity to establish a new long-term licence agreement with Central Coast Council. Such an agreement would provide the certainty needed for the club to plan and invest in its facilities with confidence.
CCAC has experienced substantial growth over recent years, placing increasing demands on infrastructure originally designed for a much smaller operation. When the club’s existing offices and hangars were established, the flying school operated approximately 100 flying hours per month with just two or three instructors. Today, the club regularly exceeds 500 flying hours per month and operates with a team of 12 instructors.
This growth reflects the continuing demand for professional flight training on the Central Coast, but it also highlights the limitations of the club’s ageing facilities. Classrooms, briefing areas, offices, hangars and other supporting infrastructure are now required to accommodate an operation considerably larger than the one for which they were originally designed.
A secure long-term agreement would allow CCAC to begin planning improvements that better reflect the scale and professionalism of its current operations. For existing members and future students, this could mean improved learning environments, better facilities and greater opportunities for the club to expand its aviation activities.
Improving Safety for Pilots and Aircraft
Beyond the commercial opportunities, several proposed improvements offer direct practical benefits to aircraft operators.
One of the most welcome developments is the proposed upgrading and sealing of taxiways. Loose stones and debris on unsealed surfaces can cause propeller damage, particularly when aircraft are operating at low speed with engines running close to the ground. Such damage can lead to expensive repairs, additional inspections and unnecessary aircraft downtime.
Improved taxiway surfaces would therefore represent both a safety improvement and a worthwhile reduction in operating costs for aircraft owners and flying schools.
Vegetation management is another important consideration. Trees near the airport have progressively grown towards heights that require attention, making continued monitoring and appropriate trimming essential for maintaining safe operating conditions.
The proposed improvements to airport lighting are equally significant. CCAC currently maintains temporary lighting arrangements, but these do not provide the same operational capability as an appropriately designed airport lighting installation.
Warnervale Airport already plays an important role in supporting emergency services on the Central Coast, including firefighting, medical and other emergency aviation operations. As demand for these services grows, maintaining reliable and accessible aviation infrastructure becomes increasingly important. Modern runway and taxiway lighting would further strengthen the airport’s ability to support emergency operations, particularly outside daylight hours, subject to the necessary approvals and operating requirements.
Together, these improvements would help ensure Warnervale remains a safe, practical and accessible facility for general aviation.
Supporting Aviation Education and Skilled Employment
Central Coast Airport has the potential to become much more than a location for recreational flying.
The Master Plan recognises opportunities for aviation training, aircraft maintenance, emergency services, aviation support businesses and other compatible industries. These activities can create skilled employment opportunities while strengthening the Central Coast’s connection to the broader aviation sector. For the northern Central Coast in particular, the development of an aviation precinct offers an opportunity to attract specialised businesses and technical employment.
Aircraft maintenance engineers, flight instructors, aviation operations personnel, administrative staff and other aviation professionals all contribute to the economic activity generated by a functioning airport. CCAC already demonstrates the value of this industry through its substantial flight training operation. The club’s continued growth shows that demand for aviation education exists locally, without requiring students to travel to larger airports outside the region.
With appropriate infrastructure and long-term planning, Warnervale could attract further investment and establish itself as an increasingly important centre for general aviation training and support services.
A Financially Sustainable Future for the Airport
An important objective identified in Central Coast Council’s revised Airport Master Plan is to establish a financially sustainable future for Central Coast Airport. Council’s published planning documents outline a staged development model intended to reduce upfront financial exposure while allowing infrastructure investment to respond to commercial demand.
Under the proposed model, Council would retain majority ownership of the airport while considering the lease or potential sale of selected development land to help fund supporting infrastructure. Financial modelling commissioned by Council indicates that the proposed hybrid development options could deliver positive long-term financial outcomes. These projections are based on Council’s financial assessments and assumptions about development, demand, costs and future revenue. They are not independent financial forecasts prepared or endorsed by CCAC.
The proposed approach offers an opportunity to transform the airport into an asset that supports local economic activity while reducing its long-term financial burden on ratepayers and for CCAC, the importance of this outcome extends beyond the airport itself.
A sustainable airport provides the foundation for continued flight training, private aviation, aviation-related employment and future investment in the region.
Years of Advocacy and Community Support
The progress of the Master Plan follows many years of planning, consultation and advocacy by individuals, aviation businesses, community organisations and supporters who have worked to secure the airport’s future. The future of Warnervale Airport has been the subject of considerable public discussion over the years, with differing views about its development, management and long-term role within the region.
Throughout this period, CCAC has continued to provide flight training and support general aviation on the Central Coast. In 2022, the club was recognised as Australian Aero Club of the Year, an achievement that reflected the dedication of its members, instructors, volunteers and management.
That commitment has continued as the club has expanded its training activities and maintained its position as a major contributor to aviation on the Central Coast.
What Happens Next?
Gateway 2 is not the completion of the Airport Master Plan. Rather, it establishes the next stage of work required to progress towards its longer-term objectives. Further planning, environmental assessment, infrastructure design and commercial decisions will be required. Major matters, including any disposal of airport land, appointment of an external operator or additional capital commitments, remain subject to further Council consideration and approval.
The club will also be looking forward to progress on negotiations for a long-term licence agreement, which would provide the security needed to invest in improved facilities. CCAC welcomes the positive direction being taken and looks forward to working constructively with Central Coast Council, aviation businesses and other stakeholders as the plans develop.
An Exciting Future for Aviation at Warnervale
Central Coast Airport is an important community asset with the potential to deliver benefits far beyond its boundaries. From training the next generation of pilots to supporting emergency services, skilled employment and local business investment, its continued development represents a valuable opportunity for the region.
CCAC welcomes Central Coast Council’s decision to progress the Airport Master Plan and looks forward to working constructively with Council as its proposed initiatives move through the necessary planning, assessment and approval processes.
With continued cooperation, careful planning and investment, Warnervale Airport can develop into a modern, sustainable general aviation precinct that serves the Central Coast for decades to come.
For Central Coast Aero Club, this is not simply about new infrastructure. It is about securing the future of flying on the Central Coast and creating opportunities for the generations of pilots who will follow.
Source Information
The Airport Master Plan initiatives, proposed infrastructure improvements, development priorities and financial projections discussed in this article are based on information published by Central Coast Council. Central Coast Aero Club is reporting on these proposals from the perspective of a longstanding airport operator and aviation training organisation. The proposals remain subject to Council’s ongoing planning, assessment, funding and approval processes.
For further information, refer to Central Coast Council’s official Central Coast Airport Master Plan documentation.
