New Cohuna Airfield management committee taking the controls

Published on 11 September 2020

The combined efforts of Coliban Water and Gannawarra Shire Council in transferring the Cohuna Airfield license to a Lions Club of Cohuna led community airfield management committee is nearing finalisation.

Following Council’s decision in June to relinquish the licence, Council has worked with the Cohuna Aerodrome’s landowner, Coliban Water and airfield stakeholders to ensure arrangements are in place that will enable the airfields continued operation.

These proactive discussions have led to the formation of a community-led committee featuring representatives from the Lions Club of Cohuna, Cohuna Model Flying Club and hangar owners, which is on track to take over the management of the Cohuna Airfield license at the end of the month.

To ensure that a smooth transition can occur, Council has agreed to a request for an extension to retain the Cohuna Airfield license until Wednesday, 30 September 2020.

“Council values the leadership and goodwill shown by the Lions Club of Cohuna, the Cohuna Model Flying Club and hangar owners in working collaboratively to develop a constructive outcome that will benefit the community,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“The extension to retain the Cohuna Airfield license until the end of September will ensure the community-led committee are comfortable and confident with managing the airfield license from 1 October 2020.”

“Since day one, Coliban Water has been fully committed to supporting the Cohuna community, aerodrome users and Gannawarra Shire Council to seek continuity of operations at the Cohuna Aerodrome. The extension Council has made this week is an important step towards making that happen,” Coliban Water Managing Director, Damian Wells said.

“I would like to congratulate and thank the Lions Club of Cohuna and the aerodrome users for their community leadership on this matter and stepping up when it was needed most.”