“Somersby Scrapped as Site of Airport” The Gosford Times, 27 March 1974.
This article marks an important milestone in the evolution of airport planning on the Central Coast. While officially ruling out Somersby as the location for Sydney’s second international airport, it confirms that the Federal Government was instead pursuing a domestic aerodrome at Warnervale.
The article demonstrates that, by early 1974, planning had shifted away from international aviation and towards developing Warnervale as a regional airport serving general aviation, business travel and commuter services. The proposed runway length of 3,000 to 5,000 feet and the intention to accommodate local aero clubs closely aligns with the role Warnervale Airport would eventually fulfil.
The report also illustrates the political influences affecting aviation planning. Concerns over preserving the rural character surrounding the Old Sydney Town development, together with changing political priorities, contributed to Somersby being discarded. At the same time, growing population, business demand and regional development strengthened the case for an airport at Warnervale.
Historically, this article represents one of the clearest early newspaper reports identifying Warnervale as the preferred location for a Central Coast domestic airport, making it a significant document in the history of the airport.
Historical significance reflects the importance of an item in documenting the history of Warnervale Airport, the Central Coast Aero Club and the surrounding community. A high significance rating does not indicate that statements, opinions, claims or predictions contained in the original material are endorsed by the Central Coast Aero Club or remain accurate today. Newspaper reports, letters and other historical documents are presented in their original historical context.
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