A service review into the ageing asset was presented by consultants, Delos Delta at last week’s Federation Council meeting, raising more questions than answers.
Cr Andrew Kennedy summed up the feeling in the room.
“We’ve been elected to find efficiencies, and this is not efficient,” he said.
“But once we lose it, we can’t get it back.
“It’s a hard decision.”
The aerodrome was developed during WWII and, faced with an annual cost more than $150,000, plus the need to maintain it in a safe and serviceable condition, councillors need to decide on its future.
Until three years ago, the aerodrome’s two sealed runways were busy supporting Australian Defence Force parachute training, an active gliding club and regular passenger flights when Albury Airport was closed by adverse weather.
Those activities have largely ceased reducing its use to medivac flights and sporadic events like Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia’s upcoming National Fly-in.
Delos Delta managing director, Brooke Dixon told the meeting that consultation showed the community was positive about the aerodrome but as most were not direct beneficiaries, they were open to discussion about its future.
He said the challenges faced were consistent with 200 local government-owned and operated regional aerodromes around Australia.
“The report’s key findings show a range of alternatives in reasonable proximity,” Mr Dixon said.
“Use is primarily recreational, with 11 hangars used irregularly by a small group.”
He noted the lack of a long-term strategic plan and ongoing site issues, including potential for flooding and ageing infrastructure.
“The question councillors need to consider is whether the aerodrome is part of its core offerings, and could there be a higher community return for $150,000?” he said.
Councillors showed concern at the loss of medivac potential, loss of potential income to business and tourism operators, and the lack of income currently being generated.
Landing fees are not collected and the cost of leasing hangars is minimal at $500 per year.
Cr Derek Schoen noted there was pent up demand for hangars in the area as well as unexplored uses and potential.
“We need to explore what we can do, not what we can’t do,” Cr Schoen said.
“One sealed runway would serve the purposes.
“We aren’t collecting landing fees; there’s no cost to use the aerodrome.”
Mayor Cheryl Cook said the Antique Aircraft Fly In was a five-year commitment, which meant any decision to close the airport would be phased over time and allow associated businesses time to make alternative arrangements.
Like other councillors, Cr Cook said she was conflicted but questioned where the money would come from.
Her view was shared by Director of Engineering Services, Theo Panagopoulos who said the two runways would cost $3 million to reconstruct.
“The lighting is compliant under a grandfather arrangement but not compliant under current standards,” Mr Panagopoulos said.
“It would cost $500,000 to $1million to upgrade, plus the cost of upgrading the terminal building.
“What we need to ask is which 8.3kms of local roads am I not reconstructing to reconstruct the runway.
“I don’t envy the decision councillors need to make.”
The question remains: To what extent does the aerodrome remain a strategic priority for Federation Council?
With Cr Pat Bourke stressing the need to bring stakeholders and user groups to the table, it was agreed more information and more time was needed.
Councillors unanimously voted to receive a further report by the end of 2025, with an updated service review document capturing the issues raised by the meeting.
34°C