Central Coast Council acknowledged yesterday’s release of the State Government’s independent review into the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996 (the Act) and would now review the recommendations in detail and respond to the impacts of this on Council’s operational management of Warnervale Airport. 

Mayor Lisa Matthews said that Council can only operate Warnervale Airport under the legislative environment that the State Government sets.

“I want to emphasise that Council does not make the laws about the operation of this community owned asset," Mayor Matthews said.

“Council must and does adhere to the State legislation that governs Warnervale Airport and this includes the current flight cap limits.

“Minister Rob Stokes has publicly notified that this part of the Act is proposed to be repealed, and once that is done Council will respond to the legislation in its management of the airport."

The airport management includes safety of the runway and Council has measures in place to ensure that airport users are aware of all conditions for runway use.  

Council is continuing to look at long term options to reduce the vegetation hazard and is required to comply with other State legislation to do this. The report acknowledges that Council is keenly aware of this and cannot just remove the vegetation without appropriate approval.

To view a copy of the State Government final report, go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/WARActReview