Central Coast Council’s draft Masterplan for the Central Coast Airport at Warnervale is now on public exhibition.

The draft Airport Masterplan, informed by feedback collected via a telephone survey and industry engagement undertaken in 2020 and 2021, is aimed at driving economic activity through employment, tourism and business development.

Work to support development of the draft Masterplan has also identified those areas of Porters Creek Wetland that can be established as a stewardship site.  As a stewardship site, the biodiversity values of Porters Creek Wetland would be protected in perpetuity. 

Council Director Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said airports form an integral part of the Australian economy and are critical in supporting communities and enhancing broader economic performance. 

“Without access to local aviation services, the capacity for local trade and tourism to grow and compete with other major regional centres will be constrained. As the ninth largest region in Australia, the Central Coast is recognised as a substantial and significant growth corridor, yet it remains the only major population centre without a recognised and supported airport.

“There have been many technical, financial, social and environmental complexities worked through in the development of the draft Central Coast Airport Masterplan, and now we are seeking wider community feedback on it,” Dr Howe said.

The Central Coast Airport, situated on 44 hectares of land zoned E4 (General Industrial), is planned to be upgraded to a Code 2B aerodrome. The upgrades to the runway will not result in an extension of the current 1200 metre runway length, and the Airport would not support regular public airport transport use. The key focus of the Masterplan is to attract and support general aviation activities, including aerial work, instructional and recreational flying, as well as providing an important hub for emergency services. 

“The decision by the NSW Government to repeal the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996 in February 2021 provided Council with a clear signal regarding the future of the Central Coast Airport at Warnervale. Council is now getting on with the next steps to realise the potential of the aviation sector on the Central Coast.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said having an expanded airport capable of a higher level of general aviation use would give a real boost to the region – and be an attractor to investment into the area.

“The Central Coast is home to a diverse range of commercial businesses, many of which would benefit from expanded aviation activities.  An upgraded airport would assist in achieving that,” Mr Hart said.

Council will be exploring funding opportunities upon finalisation of the Masterplan.

The draft Masterplan is on exhibition until 13 February 2024.

Find out more and have your say online at https://www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/airport