By Jessica Micallef
The long-awaited Kyneton Airfield Masterplan has received the tick of approval – minus plans to build a tourism hub and new private hangars.
Councillors at their meeting last month knocked back plans to rezone a lot at 8 Rawson Place from farming to public use to accomodate a tourism hub, offices and up to 12 privately-owned hangers at the airfield. The proposed masterplan suggested flights could almost double from 5100 to 10,000 a year if supporting infrastructure such as additional hangars were available to aircraft operators.
Cr Mandi Mees said a major focus of the council was to invest in recreational activity, and providing hangars at the Kyneton Airfield would be “prudent” to sustaining the airfield.
However Cr Jennifer Anderson said there had been not enough community support for a tourism hub and additional hangars.
The airfield, which is operated by the Kyneton Aero Club, currently has 34 hangars to house 60 aircraft.
Club president Warren Canning said he was pleased with the “realistic” masterplan and was not phased about the rejection of the hub or extra hangars.
“The tourism hub was not something the aero club was seeking, however the aero club would support it if council felt that it was of benefit to the broader community,” he said.
“More importantly, the council did approve the building of two to three commercial hangars and they are for things like aircraft maintenance and engine rebuilding, so from a community point of view, it brings not just economic activity, it brings employment and education and training in the form of apprenticeships.
“So I think as the economy tries to recover post COVID-19, that is a great opportunity.”
As part of the master plan, about 150 metres of the northern runway would be sealed to increase landing and takeoff distance available and, in turn, reduce noise over the Kyneton township.
Macedon Ranges Residents Association secretary Christine Pruneau said the new plan took a “calmer approach”.
“From where it was, it’s a much better outcome for the community,” she said.
