Council opens EOI for Central Coast Airport

Central Coast Council is calling for EOI

Central Coast Council (CCC) is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from general aviation (GA), aerospace and associated businesses looking for long-term leases or purpose built aviation facilities on airside land at Central Coast Airport.

The Airport has flat airside industrial-zoned land with opportunities for general aviation operators, and is located 45 minutes’ drive from the northern outskirts of Sydney.

Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business Mike Dowling said Council wants to determine the level of interest from the industry in a General Aviation Industry Hub at Central Coast Airport.

“It is proposed that there will be level airside sites offering short- and long-term leases as well as purpose built facilities, providing certainty for general aviation and aerospace operators looking to build sustainable operations,” Mr Dowling said

“The proposal offers a unique opportunity to secure airside leasehold land, or purpose-built facilities, at reasonable rates for the development of general aviation in close proximity to the major Sydney Basin and Hunter aviation markets.”

The EOI responses will be considered in developing a detailed airport Master Plan tailored to support the commercial general aviation and corporate aviation sectors in NSW and where appropriate to individual operators. Once the draft Master Plan is developed it will be exhibited for community feedback.

“Preference will be given to activities and operators who can add value to the future development of the airport as a General Aviation Industry Hub, and provide a stimulus for regional economic development and employment,” Mr Dowling said.

“Our vision includes not only aircraft operations, but the full range of aviation and aerospace support to sustain the industry.”

It is envisaged that businesses in aviation education/training, logistics, technology, consulting and service industries will become part of an integrated aviation, education and technology precinct around the Central Coast Airport.

General aviation includes pilot training, corporate aviation, emergency services and search and rescue, charter, aerial work, survey and monitoring, private flying, commercial operators and tourism related charter operations.

Already, Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) has leased 5.2 hectares of Central Coast Airport land to construct a $100 million aircraft manufacturing facility and been given planning approval for Stage 1. AAI will construct new-build modified versions of the Grumman Albatross G-111 with turbo-prop engines, glass cockpit and custom interiors. The G-111 is a flexible platform that can operate in a variety of roles including border control, search & rescue, military applications, surveillance, research, bushfire suppression, airline and charter operations.

EOI applicants will be required to demonstrate how they will invest in long-term development of their business and create jobs on the Central Coast.

Applications close at 2:00pm on Tuesday 16 May 2017. To register your interest go to www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ccaviation