CCAC Historical Archives

Wyong Shire Council approved the construction of a hangar, administration office and amenities building for the developing Wyong Airstrip, marking another significant step towards the establishment of what would become Warnervale Airport.

Wyong Shire Council resolved to bring together government agencies, the Central Coast Aero Club and the proposed airstrip developer to discuss the future of air services in the shire and the developing Warnervale airstrip.

The Central Coast Aero Club formally protested Wyong Shire Council's rejection of its development application to establish an airstrip at Warnervale. The dispute prompted calls for a joint meeting between the State Planning Authority, Department of Civil Aviation, Wyong Shire Council and the Aero Club to discuss the future provision of air services for Wyong Shire.

The Central Coast Express examines competing visions for aviation on the Central Coast. The feature reports on investigations into a proposed intra-state airport, ongoing planning by the Gosford-Wyong Steering Committee, and debate over whether Warnervale should ultimately become a regional airport or Sydney's second international airport.

Wyong Shire Council pledged to oppose the State Planning Authority's objections to a proposed airstrip, arguing that the growing Central Coast urgently required aviation infrastructure. The council threw its support behind local resident Mr. Parry's privately developed airstrip while calling on the Department of Civil Aviation to approve the project.

The Federal Government ruled out Somersby as the location for Australia's next international airport, while confirming that the Central Coast remained a strong candidate for a major domestic aerodrome at Warnervale. The proposed airport was expected to support regional aviation, local industry and the rapidly growing population of the Central Coast.

Heavy rainfall highlighted the shortcomings of the privately owned Pollock Avenue airstrip while demonstrating the resilience of the Central Coast Aero Club's Warnervale airstrip. The club used the opportunity to argue that Warnervale provided the region with a practical all-weather aviation facility and renewed calls for council approval of its proposed airport development.

In a detailed letter to the editor, Central Coast Aero Club President Jack Neal responded to criticism surrounding the Warnervale airstrip proposal. He defended the club's efforts over the previous two years, challenged claims that Wyong Shire Council had actively supported the project, and questioned the council's commitment to establishing a permanent all-weather airport for the Central Coast.

Wyong Shire Councillor Vera L. Butler responded to criticism from the Central Coast Aero Club, rejecting claims that the council had delayed or obstructed the Warnervale airstrip proposal. Butler defended the council's record, explaining that planning restrictions imposed by the State Planning Authority prevented approval until completion of the regional urban structure plan.

1. Title Club Use of Wyong Airstrip 2. Excerpt An application before Wyong Shire Council sought approval to establish a junior flying club and associated aviation organisations at the Warner Avenue airstrip in Wyong. The proposal included construction of a clubhouse and expanded community aviation activities at the privately operated authorised landing area.

Wyong Shire Council endorsed the future development of Warnervale Airfield as the Central Coast's principal general aviation airport. The decision identified Warnervale as one of two preferred regional airfield sites and outlined staged expansion plans, including future runway improvements while protecting surrounding land from incompatible development.

A significant step in the establishment of Warnervale Airport occurred in November 1978 when Wyong Shire Council sought approval to subdivide land on Sparks Road, Warnervale, so that part of the property could be acquired for the airport site. The proposal was placed on public exhibition, allowing community members to review plans and lodge comments before a decision was made.

Plans to establish a commercial seaplane base at Tacoma on the Central Coast were delayed while Wyong Shire Council and the proponent awaited an environmental assessment. Supporters argued the project would improve transport links and encourage business investment in the rapidly growing Wyong region.

Veteran pilot and flying instructor Bill Benbow was profiled for his remarkable aviation career spanning more than four decades. The article traces his service during the Second World War, bush flying adventures and his continuing role as Chief Flying Instructor at Warnervale, where he had become one of the Central Coast's best-known aviation identities.

Wyong Shire Council resolved to seek Federal funding to upgrade Warnervale Airstrip into a licensed aerodrome, adopting a long-term development strategy that included controlled airspace planning, future navigation aids and land-use protections around the airport.

At the age of 67, Eric Kemp demonstrates that it's never too late to pursue aviation. This Central Coast Express feature follows the retired engineer's passion for ultralight flying at Warnervale Airstrip and offers a glimpse into the recreational flying community that flourished there during the early 1980s.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Central Coast Aero Club reflected on a remarkable decade of growth from a small group of enthusiasts into the owner of the Central Coast's major airfield. The anniversary also marked the official opening of the club's new clubhouse at Warnervale, with national aero club leaders praising its facilities as among the finest in Australia.

Central Coast Aero Club hosted the final round of the NSW Interclub Flying Competition at Warnervale Airfield, attracting more than 100 pilots and 30 aircraft from across the state. The event marked the first time the prestigious competition had been held at Warnervale and showcased the growing reputation of the airfield and its pilots.

Central Coast Aero Club members won every individual event at the third NSW Aero Inter-Club Competition held at Warnervale Airfield. The success demonstrated the club's growing strength in competition flying while reinforcing Warnervale's role as a recognised aviation venue.

Warnervale Air Services highlighted the growing popularity of flight training on the Central Coast, with dozens of students learning to fly each week. The article showcases the expanding role of Warnervale Airfield as the region's primary flight training centre during the early 1980s.