Cohuna Aerodrome to remain open

Published on 30 June 2020

Proactive discussions involving Gannawarra Shire Council, Coliban Water along with community and stakeholder groups interested in managing the Cohuna Aeroplane Landing Area are well underway.

Council agreed at the June Ordinary Council Meeting to surrender the landing area’s licence back to the Cohuna aerodrome landowner, Coliban Water as well as work with the community regarding the future operations of the facility.

“Following last week’s Council Meeting,  Council has received several community calls expressing positive interest in taking over the Cohuna Aerodrome’s Aeroplane Landing Area Licence,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“The community can be confident that the ongoing operation of the Cohuna Aerodrome will be assured and a new licensee with Coliban Water established.

“Although these discussions are in the preliminary stages, Council looks forward to working with these organisations to develop a community management model that meets the community’s needs and is acceptable for the facility’s landowner, Coliban Water.”

Council has also been in contact with Ambulance Victoria and the Federal Government in the days following the June Ordinary Council Meeting.

“Ambulance Victoria has reiterated its position that Council’s decision to surrender the landing area’s licence will not impact on the operations of its services,” Mr O’Reilly said.

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

“Federal Government representatives have also verbally reconfirmed that the change of licensee will not impact its considerations of financial support of the Cohuna Aviation Club’s proposed upgrade of on-site facilities.”

Council will continue to provide updates on the Cohuna Aerodrome as these discussions progress.