CCAC Historical Archives

Wyong Council agreed to seek assurances from the NSW Minister for Planning before making a new application to extend Warnervale Airport’s runway. Despite their opposing positions, airport supporters and protesters both called for an independent review of the proposal. The council sought a process examining public and confidential airport documents dating back to 1975, including its dealings with developer Traders Finance.

Wyong Shire Council Mayor Tony Sheridan responds to criticism of the council’s handling of the Warnervale Airport proposal, particularly claims made by Australian Democrats Robertson branch president Andrew Penfold. Sheridan defends the council’s planning and environmental processes, cites the Land and Environment Court’s findings, and argues that recently enacted restrictions on aircraft movements would severely constrain further airport development.

A public meeting supporting the development of Warnervale Airport as a regional airport attracted almost 500 people to Wyong Leagues Club on 23 July 1996. Speakers David Isaacs, Rob Britten and Rod Wall presented arguments for the development amid sustained disruption from opponents. A motion supporting an approach to NSW Premier Bob Carr seeking development of an enhanced airport facility was carried 194 votes to 183.

The Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators promoted its second annual aviation day at Warnervale Airport, featuring visiting and locally based aircraft, warbird and floatplane flyovers, gliding, parachuting and joy flights. A raffle offered a Boeing 747 simulator experience. The event provides a snapshot of the variety of recreational and general aviation activity associated with Warnervale Airport in 1996.

The Central Coast Aero Club prepared to host its second annual Guild of Air Pilots aviation day at Warnervale Airport, featuring a navigation trial, landing competition, historic aircraft, seaplanes, joyflights, gliders and skydivers. The free public event was planned after strong winds disrupted the previous year’s event and included participation from numerous aviation organisations.

Warnervale Airport opponent Jorg Breitkopf vowed to continue fighting the proposed airport expansion despite being ordered to pay $95,000 in Wyong Council’s legal costs. Mayor Doug Eaton proposed talks with Breitkopf and the Central Coast Airport Action Group while defending the airport extension as important regional economic infrastructure capable of attracting major companies, investment and tourism.

A restored Australian-designed CAC Boomerang fighter was scheduled to fly into Warnervale as part of a reunion of RAAF No. 83 Squadron. The aircraft, restored by Guido Zuccoli, was described as the only airworthy Boomerang in the world. The article also recounts the squadron’s wartime history and the Boomerang’s Australian origins and service during World War II.

Letter writer Jim Fordham argues strongly in favour of upgrading Warnervale aerodrome, rejecting claims that the development would significantly affect property values or result in excessive aircraft activity. He also opposes ratepayers funding the legal costs of airport opponent Jorg Breitkopf and argues that a regional airport is essential if the Central Coast is to develop as a tourist destination.

Jilliby resident John W Edwards argues in favour of Warnervale Airport expansion, stating that after living beneath the airport circuit for seven years he had little reason to complain about its operations. He criticises political opposition to the airport and proposals to relieve Jorg Breitkopf of his legal costs, while describing the airport as a necessary Central Coast facility that had operated harmoniously with the public since 1971.

The Sun Weekly reported that redevelopment of Warnervale Airport could potentially proceed because the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Bill, although passed by both houses of NSW Parliament, had not yet been proclaimed as law. Central Coast MLC Mike Gallacher criticised the Carr Government over the delay, warning that Traders Finance and Wyong Council could proceed under existing development approvals.

A CT4 Airtrainer made a forced landing at Picnic Point after developing a fuel blockage during an aerobatic flight from Warnervale Airport. With insufficient space to take off again, the aircraft was escorted by police and the fire brigade under its own power through The Entrance and across The Entrance Bridge while engineers sought a suitable location for its departure.

Wyong Council revived plans for the redevelopment of Warnervale Airport, proposing a 1200-metre runway as the first stage of a potentially larger project. Council planned to commission studies addressing safety, noise, environmental impacts, operational efficiency and costs before seeking State Government approval. The proposal followed restrictions introduced in 1996 that had halted the earlier airport development scheme.

More than 20,000 people attended the Central Coast Air Show at Warnervale Airport, with organisers and Regional Development Australia Central Coast describing the event as a significant boost to tourism, the local economy and community pride. The event was also presented as evidence of the potential benefits of establishing a permanent aviation precinct at Warnervale.