Collaborative Cohuna Airfield discussions

Published on 23 July 2020

Proactive discussions regarding the future of the Cohuna Airfield licence are continuing, with Gannawarra Shire Council meeting with Cohuna community representatives earlier this week.

Dr Peter Barker and Ron Stanton met with Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly and Director of Infrastructure and Development, Geoff Rollinson to discuss community-led management options for the Cohuna airfield, given the Council’s notice to relinquish the licence back to the landowner Coliban Water on Friday, 11 September 2020.

“Council thanks Peter and Ron for taking the opportunity to meet and explore potential community management options of the airfield, with plenty of goodwill displayed during these positive constructive discussions,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Given their passion and interest, Peter and Ron are looking to their community to rally behind the Cohuna Aviation Club and Cohuna Model Flying Club to bring about the formation of a community led airfield management committee.

“We will do all we reasonably can to support the formation of a community airfield management group, including providing appropriate training; most importantly we want this new group to be empowered. This is a genuine opportunity for the Cohuna community to activate a new group to be considered for the airfield licence and influence the future destiny of the Cohuna airfield,” Mr O’Reilly said.

Dr Barker said, “Coliban Water wants to engage with all stakeholders and has indicated if the process is acceptable, it may agree to a community group taking on the head licence earlier than the original December date.” 

“What we need now is for all stakeholders to meet to get an organisation to take on the head licence. That might be harder, but will allow continuity of Ambulance Victoria access. Ron and I thank Council for inviting to meet with us and hearing the Cohuna community’s concerns,” Dr Barker added.

Mr O’Reilly concluded, “I am pleased to advise that a meeting is being convened next week involving Coliban Water and airfield user group representatives. Given time is of the essence, next week’s meeting is an important next step to progress the formation of a community airfield management group.”   

ABOVE: Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O'Reilly (left) and Dr Peter Barker met to discuss community-led management options for the Cohuna airfield.