Central Coast Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from the aviation, aerospace and supporting industry operators to establish at Central Coast Airport, Warnervale.

Council’s Group Leader, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the timing was right for Council to determine the level of interest in a General Aviation Industry Hub from aviation and associated industries.

“General aviation can operate from Central Coast Airport with its current zoning, and we believe it presents an opportunity for job creation on the Coast,” Mr Dowling said.

“So it is time we went out and tested the market and that’s what this EOI is all about.

“We have already received enquiries from a number of aviation businesses keen to locate at the Airport.

“This EOI will formally determine the level of industry interest by asking aviation businesses to put their best proposals forward for long-term industry development and jobs growth.

“General aviation is a significant industry representing 65 percent of all aircraft hours in Australia and we are aware there is currently a high demand for airside general aviation leaseholds close to Sydney.

“This is due to general aviation being squeezed out of the Sydney basin due to macro conditions.”

General aviation includes pilot training, corporate aviation, emergency services and search and rescue, charter, aerial work, survey and monitoring, private flying, commercial operators and tourism related charter operations.

The vast majority of general aviation is conducted in small aircraft and does not include airline or airfreight operations.

“The responses will inform a Central Coast Airport Master Plan that brings together businesses in aviation education and training, logistics, technology, consulting and service industries to create the best outcome for residents, ratepayers and industry,” Mr Dowling said.

Once a draft Master Plan is developed it will be exhibited for community feedback.

The Expression of Interest is open to any business looking for airside land leases or purpose built aviation facilities and applicants will be required to demonstrate how they will invest in long term development of their business and create jobs on the Central Coast.

Applications close at 2:00pm on Tuesday 16 May 2017.  Registration for the EOI is now open at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ccairport