Council to work with the community regarding Cohuna Aerodrome's future

Published on 25 June 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council will work with the Cohuna community and Coliban Water regarding the future operations of the Cohuna Aerodrome after Council agreed to surrender the site’s licence back to the facility’s landowner, Coliban Water.

The Cohuna Aerodrome is one of two airfields located in the Gannawarra, with the Civil Aviation and Safety Authority classifying the Chuggs Road facility as an Aeroplane Landing Area. Council has held a licence for the site with Coliban Water since the formation of the municipality in the mid-1990s.

“Although this is an operational matter, Council took this decision to the June Ordinary Council meeting in good faith so Councillors could discuss this matter,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“As a current licensee, Council assumes liability for the financial and accounting arrangements. This includes maintenance costs and the depreciation of facilities on the land. In 2018/2019, these costs were $37,105.

“However due to mandatory accounting requirements, this amount would increase dramatically if significant works were to occur at the site and it would become an increased financial burden on Gannawarra ratepayers.”

The surrendering of the licence will enable the Cohuna Aviation Club’s proposal to continue with its plans to extend its facilities, supported by Federal Government’s Regional Aviation Fund, without any financial impacts on Council.

“By Council removing itself as the Aerodrome Operator, the club will be able to continue working with the Federal Government on this proposal without any negative financial depreciation impacts on the Gannawarra community,” Mayor Learmonth said.

The surrendering of the licence to a new aerodrome operator will not have any impact on the operations of Ambulance Victoria’s services.

“Fixed wing aircraft will only need to confirm via a phone call with the Aerodrome Operator to determine whether the aerodrome is safe to land at; noting such calls are always made with sufficient lead time before any proposed landing,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“Council looks forward to working with Coliban Water, the Cohuna community and individuals, groups or businesses interested in taking on the licence to ensure the future of the Cohuna Aerodrome.”