“New airport court battle looms.” Central Coast Express Advocate, 28 July 1995.
This article documents a significant escalation in the dispute surrounding the proposed redevelopment of Warnervale Airport in 1995, with opposition moving from public meetings and political debate into formal legal proceedings.
An unnamed resident, supported by the Central Coast Airport Action Group, lodged proceedings in the Land and Environment Court challenging Wyong Shire Council’s consent for the redevelopment and its advertising of the proposal. Action group publicity officer Ernie Newman warned that an adverse court decision could expose the council to substantial damages payable to developer Traders Finance Australia.
Council general manager John Dawson strongly defended the consultation process, arguing that council had gone beyond its legal obligations through public meetings, advertising and opportunities for community involvement.
The accompanying report on the proposed airport curfew provides further context to the dispute. Wyong Council rejected a blanket 9pm–6am curfew, instead requiring noise monitoring during those hours and reserving the option of imposing a curfew if noise levels were subsequently considered unacceptable.
Developer Les Graham also rejected claims that the redevelopment would turn Warnervale into a major freight airport, arguing that even after redevelopment its capacity would remain comparatively small.
The article is important in the chronology of the Warnervale Airport controversy because it records the transition from organised community opposition to legal action, while simultaneously documenting the continuing debate over night operations and aircraft noise.
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