CCAC HISTORICAL ARCHIVES

Delay on Base for Seaplanes

July 8, 1980

Source Citation:

Daily Mirror, 8 July 1980, “Delay on Base for Seaplanes”.

★★★★★
Moderate Historical Significance
Demonstrates broader aviation planning on the Central Coast but has only an indirect relationship to Warnervale Airport.

Although not directly related to Warnervale Airport, this article illustrates the broader aviation and transport challenges facing the Central Coast during the late 1970s and early 1980s. At the time, local businesses and government were actively exploring alternative aviation infrastructure to improve access between the Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle.

The proposal centred on establishing a commercial seaplane base at Tacoma on Tuggerah Lakes. Proponent David Hooker argued that inadequate transport links were limiting economic growth and discouraging investment in the Wyong region. His comments echo many of the same arguments used by supporters of Warnervale Airport throughout the 1970s—that improved aviation infrastructure was essential for attracting industry, supporting business travel and stimulating regional development.

While the article does not mention Warnervale directly, it provides valuable context for understanding the broader aviation planning landscape on the Central Coast during this period.

DELAY ON BASE FOR SEAPLANES A Sydney businessman may establish a seaplane base at Tacoma, on the NSW Central Coast. Mr David Hooker, managing director of Water Wings Pty Ltd, and Wyong Shire Council are awaiting a report from a private environmental consultant group on his application for the base. The report has not yet been made as the council and Mr Hooker haven’t picked a suitable group to undertake the study. The main opposition to the base, says Mr Hooker, has been a “prejudiced” vocal minority group. The 6000 sq m parcel of land for the base site, situated on the mouth of Wyong Creek on Tuggerah Lakes, could be a commercial boon locally. Failures “I have talked to industry people in the Wyong shire and they are dismayed at the poor travel facilities to other centres,” said Mr Hooker. “This has been the main contributing factor to the many business and industrial failures in the shire. “Many more industries will be attracted to Wyong when they have rapid and easy access to the commercial centres of Sydney and Newcastle.”
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