A turn-around at Kempsey?
May 20, 2010
Many AOPA members will be aware of the recent threat to Kempsey Airport. Recently, AOPA President Phillip Reiss and Treasurer Col Rogers joined Dick Smith and many other aviators at a fly-in rally to highlight the critical importance of Kempsey Airport to the people of the region.
It appears that people-power may have had some effect, with a reported turn-around by Kempsey Council in relation to the airport. The latest expressions of interest document now calls for the retention of the airport and a push for increased use by the SES and Air Ambulance.
AOPA member Robert Palmer writes:
AOPA Magazine Editor
RE KEMPSEY AIRPORT
Thank you to AOPA and thank you to Dick Smith for assisting our local area to retain our airport.
The people power that emerged from the failed and very thoughtless short sighted announcement has resulted in the local Council reversing their decision and now to advertise an “expression of interest” to attract businesses.
The EOI can be viewed at www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/expressinterest.htm
Note that the Council now advertise retention of the facility as well as use by SES, Air ambulance etc. It was pleasing to see People Power at Work!
Robert Palmer
