Caloundra Airport Saved

September 02, 2010

AOPA has praised the forward-thinking decision of Queensland Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Mr Stirling Hinchcliffe, regarding the continued future of Caloundra Aerodrome.

Peter Rejto, AOPA’s Director with responsibility for airport policy, said: “This decision gives certainty to the aviation industry at Caloundra, which employs more than 200 people and provides a base for 20 small businesses, including the Queensland Aviation Museum, which is an asset to the whole area. The Minister has wisely analysed the costs of relocation and economic disruption that would follow if the airport was closed and land sold, as the Council had sought.”

AOPA President Phillip Reiss noted that members of the aviation community at Caloundra had done much to publicise their case and that AOPA was happy to support such a unified and determined team. “We applaud this very positive, common-sense decision of the Queensland Government. It commits Queensland to protect this essential element of our aviation infrastructure from greedy developers and we warmly welcome it”, Phillip said.

A very effective local team including aviation businesses, their employees, aircraft owners and pilots, as well as members of the local community, have fought long and hard to achieve this success.

Local MP Mr Mark McArdle has publicly opposed the airport’s sale for several years, and AOPA commends him for his support for general aviation.

AOPA and the entire general aviation community congratulates the Save Caloundra Airport Committee and everyone who supported the airport’s retention.

Members should check the website frequently for news about AOPA’s campaign against GA airport closures and how you can help protect our aviation infrastructure.